President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced major leadership changes at multiple federal universities, including the University of Abuja, which has been renamed Yakubu Gowon University.
The President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that these changes take effect immediately.
At Yakubu Gowon University, Onanuga stated that President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. In Makurdi, he will be succeeded by Senator Joy Emordi, who presently holds the position of Pro-Chancellor at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
President Tinubu has appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term, succeeding Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi. However, she will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice-Chancellor position when it becomes available.
President Tinubu has also dismissed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure was set to conclude on February 14.
Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN for a six-month term and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
Additionally, the leadership changes at UNN include a new Pro-Chancellor. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned to serve as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, while President Tinubu has appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo previously held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekit
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently serving as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja.
Senator Sani Stores has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is also a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, who currently serves as a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
Onanuga reiterated that all appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.
He added that Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
The restructuring is designed to enhance governance and promote academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
