Leadership changes are underway at some of Nigeria’s biggest universities, and while students may not vote for a Vice-Chancellor, the person eventually appointed can influence the direction of teaching, research, campus policies and the overall university experience.
The race for new Vice-Chancellors has gathered pace at the University of Ibadan (UI), Lagos State University (LASU), the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and Abia State University (ABSU), as search teams work to attract qualified candidates.
Across the four institutions, Joint Council and Senate Selection Boards are being constituted to oversee the appointment process.
But, as seen in previous selections, the race is already attracting lobbying and debates over who should qualify for the job.
At LASU, applications for the university’s 10th Vice-Chancellor opened in June as the tenure of Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello gradually comes to an end.
The university said applicants must hold a doctorate, be full professors with years of experience, have supervised doctoral students and secured major research grants.
However, the advertisement sparked criticism from some academics, who argued that it should clearly state that only professors with at least 10 years of experience are eligible.
Responding to the concerns, LASU Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu, said no law requires candidates to have 10 years as professors.
According to him, the advertisement was approved by the Joint Council and Senate, adding that the phrase “several years” could mean one, two, four or even 10 years.
“There is no written law that stipulates 10 years and above. It is an unwritten law. The law of LASU stipulates that the governor, as the Visitor, appoints the Vice-Chancellor,” he said.
At the University of Ibadan, the search for a new Vice-Chancellor began in April after the university announced that the office would become vacant on November 1, 2026, when Prof. Kayode Adebowale completes his single five-year tenure.
Although applications have closed, the university’s search team is reportedly encouraging more qualified academics to join the race.
The competition is expected to become more intense in the coming weeks.
UI has a history of highly competitive Vice-Chancellor selections. Prof. Adebowale’s appointment in 2021 followed a prolonged process that included tensions, controversies and debates over indigene-settler issues.
At Abia State University, the Governing Council has inaugurated a search team led by Prof. Anthony Obike, with Prof. Mary Iwuagwu, Prof. Sam Agu, Dr Osita Igbe and Dr Uchenna Kalu serving as members.
The office becomes vacant on November 1, 2026.
The university says applicants must be professors with at least five years of experience, strong research records, verifiable publications and consistent academic productivity.
During the inauguration, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Agwu Agwu, said the process follows the Abia State University Law, which requires a search team to identify suitable candidates, especially Abians, for consideration.
He also commended the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe J. Okeudo, whose two-year tenure ends on October 31, 2026.
The University of Jos has also begun searching for a successor to Prof. Tanko Ishaya, whose tenure expires on December 1, 2026.
The university held a special congregation meeting on June 9 to elect representatives into its search team.
Its advertisement requires applicants to have at least 15 years of uninterrupted teaching and research experience, including a minimum of 10 years as distinguished professors, while occupying active teaching and research positions in recognised universities.
Applications closed on July 13, 2026.
Meanwhile, there is no public advertisement yet for the Vice-Chancellor’s position at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni.
Prof. Okechukwu Onuchuku, who was appointed on November 18, 2021, is expected to complete his five-year tenure later this year.
Under existing regulations by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education, Vice-Chancellors of federal universities serve a single, non-renewable five-year term.
As these universities prepare for new leadership, the decisions made in the coming months could shape academic policies, research priorities and the learning environment for thousands of current and future students.
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