President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes at several federal universities in a move aimed at strengthening governance and academic excellence in the nation’s tertiary education system.
A statement yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the changes, which are effective immediately, affect key positions at the University of Abuja—now renamed Yakubu Gowon University—the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and other institutions.
At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term.
She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Polycarp Emeka has been removed before the expiration of his tenure on February 14.
He has been replaced by Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam, who will serve in an acting capacity for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the substantive role.
Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, former Pro-Chancellor of UNN has been reassigned to the University of Uyo.
Mr Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously served as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, now takes over at UNN.
His former position at Lokoja has been filled by Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, who was previously Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.
Other appointments include Senator Joy Emordi as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, will take over from Senator Tejuoso.
Senator Sani Stores, formerly a council member at UNN, has been named Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, taking over from Senator Emordi.
Olugbenga Kukoyi, a former UNN council member, is now the Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
President Tinubu emphasized that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system by fostering dynamic leadership and accountability.
The restructuring aims to improve governance, enhance institutional management, and promote academic excellence across the country’s universities
