Malik Yahya/
In a sweeping move to reform Nigeria’s higher education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced major leadership changes at several federal universities, including the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
Effective immediately, the president dissolved the governing council of Yakubu Gowon University and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor. To steer the institution forward, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, though she will not be eligible for the permanent role.
The shake-up extends beyond Abuja, affecting key institutions across the country. At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu was removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his term’s scheduled end on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam will now step in for six months, under the same eligibility restriction.
In a broader restructuring, President Tinubu reassigned and appointed several new Pro-Chancellors, including:
- Senator Lanre Tejuoso as Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University
- Senator Joy Emordi as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi
- Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as Pro-Chancellor of UNN
- Gen. Ike Nwachukwu as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo
- Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja
- Senator Sani Stores as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education
- Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
Tinubu emphasized that these decisions underscore his commitment to revitalizing higher education through dynamic leadership and accountability.
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