President Tinubu Announces Major Leadership Changes in Federal Universities

On February 6, 2025, President Bola Tinubu implemented significant leadership changes across various federal universities in Nigeria. This restructuring, aimed at enhancing governance and academic standards, took immediate effect, as confirmed by a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the presidential aide on information and strategy....CONTINUE READING>>>

According to the statement, Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as University of Abuja, has undergone a leadership overhaul. The Governing Council of the university has been dissolved, and Professor Aisha Maikudi has been relieved of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. In a related move, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor at Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Joy Emordi, the current Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

Furthermore, Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. However, she will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice-Chancellor position once it becomes available.

In another significant development, Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been removed from his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) before his tenure ends on February 14. He will be succeeded by Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam, who will also serve as Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months and will not be eligible for the permanent role.

The changes at UNN also extend to the position of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to serve as Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. Engineer Olubunmi Ojo, who previously held the Pro-Chancellor position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has now been appointed Pro-Chancellor at UNN.

Additionally, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, the current Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo, will succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja. Senator Sani Stores has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Senator Joy Emordi. Finally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, currently a Council Member at UNN, has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

Onanuga stated that these leadership changes underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability. The restructuring is expected to strengthen governance and foster academic excellence within the country’s tertiary education sector.