ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes at several federal universities, including renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
The changes, effective immediately, include the dissolution of the governing council at Yakubu Gowon University and the removal of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as vice-chancellor. Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as acting vice-chancellor for six months. She will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position when it becomes available.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently pro-chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, will serve as pro-chancellor at Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, who previously held the same role at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Tinubu removed acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu before his tenure was set to end on Feb. 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months but will also be ineligible to apply for the permanent position.
In addition, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned as pro-chancellor of the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo takes over as pro-chancellor at UNN. Ojo previously served in the same capacity at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti. Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, formerly of the University of Uyo, will replace Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
Further appointments include Senator Sani Stores as pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Emordi. Stores is a council member at UNN. Meanwhile, Olugbenga Kukoyi, another council member at UNN, has been appointed pro-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
Tinubu said the restructuring aligns with his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
“These appointments reflect our dedication to strengthening governance and promoting academic excellence in Nigerian universities,” Tinubu said in a statement.
