ABUJA – In a significant move to revitalize Nigeria’s higher education system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced major leadership changes across several federal universities. The shake-up includes the dismissal of Vice-Chancellors and the reassignment of Pro-Chancellors to foster dynamic leadership and accountability.
Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja):
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been relieved of her duties. She is succeeded by Professor Lar Patricia Manko, appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. Notably, Professor Manko will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice-Chancellor position when it becomes available.
Pro-Chancellor: Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor. Senator Joy Emordi, formerly of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, will take over Tejuoso’s former role in Makurdi.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN):
Acting Vice-Chancellor: Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been removed from his position ahead of his tenure’s scheduled end on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for a six-month term, with the stipulation that he will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
Pro-Chancellor: General Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned to serve as Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously held pro-chancellor positions at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Additional Appointments:
Federal University of Lokoja: Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor.
Alvan Ikoku University of Education: Senator Sani Stores, a current Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka: Olugbenga Kukoyi, also a Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor.
These appointments and reassignments are effective immediately. The presidency emphasized that these changes reflect the administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability
