Significant Leadership Changes Announced for Federal Universities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced major leadership changes at several federal universities, including the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
These changes are effective immediately, marking a significant shift in the governance of these institutions.
This information was disclosed in a statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy. In the statement, he outlined the key changes underway:President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, which is now officially known as Yakubu Gowon University. These changes are effective immediately.
At the newly renamed Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu has dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
To fill the leadership vacuum, the President appointed Senator Lanre Tejuoso as the Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Senator Tejuoso will step down from his current role as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, which will be succeeded by Senator Joy Emordi, previously the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.In addition, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term.
Notably, she will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice-Chancellor position once it becomes available.
Furthermore, the President removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), prior to the conclusion of his term on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for a six-month term and will also not be eligible to apply for the permanent role.
The leadership reshuffle at UNN also includes changes in the Pro-Chancellor role. General Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned to serve as Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.
The new Pro-Chancellor of UNN is Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously held the same position at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
In a related appointment, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, the current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, is set to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja. Moreover, Senator Sani Stores has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Senator Joy Emordi.
Lastly, 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.
All these appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately. President Tinubu emphasized that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and promote academic excellence across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
PROF’LEE9JA⛱️ MEDIA
