President Bola Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, which is now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, these changes are effective immediately.
At Yakubu Gowon University, named after Nigeria’s longest-serving Head of State from 1966 to 1975, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. He chose Mr Lanre Tejuoso, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, as the Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University.
He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Ms Joy Emordi after being moved from Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
To succeed Professor Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.
In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.
Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Mr Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.
Mr Tinubu also appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, he held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
Mr Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. He is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additionally, Mr Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
“All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately,” the statement affirmed.
President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.