Significant leadership changes have been announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a number of federal universities, including the University of Abuja, which is now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
These modifications take effect right now.
President Tinubu dismissed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her position as vice-chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University and disbanded the whole governing council.
The pro-chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University is Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who formerly served as the pro-chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Senator Joy Emordi, who is now the pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, will succeed him in Makurdi.
President Tinubu named Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Yakubu Gowon University’s Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month tenure in order to replace Maikudi. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.
In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.
Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.
President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
