- Replaces Prof. Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor with Professor Lar Patricia Manko
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
In a bold move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s higher education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes across several federal universities. The changes, which take immediate effect, include the dissolution of governing councils, appointment of new pro-chancellors, and the replacement of vice-chancellors.
One of the most notable changes is the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University. Additionally, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been removed as Vice-Chancellor, with Professor Lar Patricia Manko appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month tenure. However, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.
In another major shake-up, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been reassigned as the Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, who was previously the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor before the expiration of his tenure on February 14. President Tinubu has appointed Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam as his successor, also for a six-month term, with the same restriction on applying for the permanent role.
Leadership changes at UNN extend to the governing council, as Gen. Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned to the University of Uyo as Pro-Chancellor. In his place, Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo previously served in similar roles at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Further appointments include: Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi (formerly Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo) as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja.
Senator Sani Stores, a Council Member at UNN, as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a Council Member at UNN, as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
President Tinubu stated that these changes underscore his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education sector by ensuring dynamic leadership and accountability.
“These appointments are designed to enhance governance, improve academic standards, and reposition Nigerian universities for global excellence,” the President affirmed.
The decision has sparked reactions from various stakeholders in the education sector, with some welcoming the changes as necessary for reform, while others express concerns about the abrupt nature of the reshuffling.
