By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered sweeping leadership changes at several federal universities as part of his administration’s strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Among the key changes is the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University and the appointment of new leaders at various institutions.
Effective immediately, President Tinubu dissolved the governing council of Yakubu Gowon University and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her position as Vice-Chancellor. Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term but will not be eligible for the substantive Vice-Chancellor role when the position becomes available.
In addition, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.
His position at Makurdi will be filled by Senator Joy Emordi, now the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), President Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu as Acting Vice-Chancellor ahead of his tenure’s scheduled expiration on February 14.
He has been replaced by Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam, also for a six-month term without eligibility for the permanent role.
The restructuring also affected the Pro-Chancellors at several universities.
Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, formerly Pro-Chancellor at UNN, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. Meanwhile, Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously held pro-chancellorship roles at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, is the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Other notable appointments include:
- Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, succeeding Engineer Ojo.
- Senator Sani Stores as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Senator Joy Emordi.
- Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
President Tinubu reiterated that these changes are in line with his administration’s vision to instill dynamic leadership, foster academic excellence, and strengthen governance across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
"We remain committed to ensuring that our universities are led by capable and accountable individuals who will uphold the highest standards of governance and education," Tinubu said in a statement.
The reshuffle is widely seen as a bold move aimed at improving the quality and management of Nigeria’s higher institutions.
