In a bold move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled sweeping leadership changes at several key federal universities, signaling a fresh direction for Nigeria’s higher education sector.
One of the most notable shifts comes at the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, following the dissolution of its entire governing council.
In a shock decision, Tinubu has removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her post as Vice-Chancellor and appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term.
However, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position once the post is opened.
In an equally dramatic reshuffle, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been elevated to take on the same role at Yakubu Gowon University.
His position in Makurdi will be filled by Senator Joy Emordi, who previously held the post at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Meanwhile, Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been abruptly removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), with his tenure set to end on February 14.
In his place, Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month period, without the opportunity to apply for the permanent role.
The reshuffle also extends to the Pro-Chancellor role at UNN, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo. Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, former Pro-Chancellor of the Federal Universities of Lokoja and Oye-Ekiti, now steps into the role at UNN.
In another key development, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, will take over from Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja, while Senator Sani Stores becomes the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi.
Furthermore, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
These sweeping changes are effective immediately, as President Tinubu reiterates his administration’s commitment to rejuvenating Nigeria’s higher education system with dynamic leadership and strengthened governance.
The restructuring is aimed at driving academic excellence, ensuring accountability, and revitalising the nation’s tertiary education landscape.
