In a sweeping move aimed at restructuring the leadership of Nigeria’s higher education institutions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant changes at several federal universities, including the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University. The shake-up, which took effect immediately, was communicated through a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
As part of the changes at Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor. In a bid to chart a new course for the university, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who was previously the Pro-Chancellor at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed to lead the university as its new Pro-Chancellor. Replacing Maikudi as Acting Vice-Chancellor is Professor Lar Patricia Manko, who will serve a six-month term. However, she will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice-Chancellor role once her term concludes.
The restructuring also extended to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been relieved of his duties as Acting Vice-Chancellor ahead of the end of his tenure, which was scheduled to conclude on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam will take over the reins as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a period of six months, with no eligibility to apply for the permanent position once his tenure concludes. The leadership changes at UNN further saw General Ike Nwachukwu reassigned from his position as Pro-Chancellor to the University of Uyo, with Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo stepping in as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo, who previously served as Pro-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
In another round of appointments, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, the current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to replace Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja. Senator Sani Stores will take over from Senator Joy Emordi as the new Pro-Chancellor at Alvan Ikoku University of Education. Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
This series of leadership changes represents President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system, emphasizing the need for dynamic leadership and accountability. The government aims to strengthen the governance framework within Nigeria’s universities, ensuring that these institutions can foster academic excellence and align with the evolving demands of the nation. With all appointments and reassignments effective immediately, these changes are seen as a significant step towards enhancing the future of the country’s tertiary education sector.
