Nigeria—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a sweeping leadership overhaul at several federal universities, marking a bold step in his administration’s bid to reform the higher education sector.
Among the significant changes is the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, along with a complete restructuring of its leadership.
In a statement from the State House on February 3, 2025, President Tinubu dissolved the university’s governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her position as Vice-Chancellor.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Senator Joy Emordi will replace Tejuoso as Pro-Chancellor in Makurdi.
To oversee the transition at Yakubu Gowon University, **Professor Lar Patricia Manko** has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. President Tinubu made it clear that Manko would not be eligible to apply for the substantivposition.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Leadership Changes
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, President Tinubu removed **Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu** from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his tenure was set to end on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam will take over as Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, with a similar restriction preventing him from applying for the permanent role.
In addition to this change, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned from his role as Pro-Chancellor of UNN to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. He is succeeded by Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, the former Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Further Appointments
Several other key appointments were announced:
-Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, will now serve as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja.
– Senator Sani Stores, previously a council member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi.
– Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, also a Council Member at UNN, has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
President Tinubu emphasised that the leadership changes reflect his administration’s dedication to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education sector through dynamic governance and strengthening accountability.
“These changes are part of our broader strategy to restore academic excellence and improve the quality of education in our tertiary institutions,” the president said.
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