President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes in several federal universities, including renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
The restructuring, which takes effect immediately, was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. He stated that the leadership shake-up aligns with Tinubu’s vision for revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system.
As part of the reforms, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been removed as Vice-Chancellor of the newly renamed Yakubu Gowon University, and the institution’s governing council has been dissolved. In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, but she will not be eligible for the substantive role when recruitment begins.
Meanwhile, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, will now serve as Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. His previous position will be filled by Senator Joy Emordi, who was the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been relieved of his duties as Acting Vice-Chancellor, even though his tenure was set to expire on February 14. His replacement, Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam, will also serve for six months and will not be eligible for the substantive role.
The leadership transition at UNN also affects the position of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu being reassigned to the University of Uyo. In his place, Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, the former Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, has been appointed as UNN’s new Pro-Chancellor.
Additionally, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, the former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been reassigned to the Federal University of Lokoja.
In another development, Senator Sani Stores has taken over as the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a council member at UNN, will now serve as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
Onanuga emphasized that the restructuring is designed to strengthen governance and enhance academic excellence across Nigerian universities.
“These changes reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability,” he said.
