posted 6th February 2025
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes across several federal universities, including the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
Effective immediately, the changes reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and strengthened accountability.
At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu has dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Senator Joy Emordi, who previously served as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, will now succeed Tejuoso at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
In a further development, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. Professor Manko will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice-Chancellor role once it becomes available.
Significant changes have also been made at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor before the end of his tenure, which was due to conclude on 14 February. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for a six-month term and will not be eligible for the permanent role.
Additionally, the leadership transition at UNN extends to the role of Pro-Chancellor. General Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously served as Pro-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, will now succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
Further appointments include Senator Sani Stores as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is currently a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Meanwhile, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, also a Council Member at UNN, has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
All appointments and reassignments are effective immediately.
President Tinubu emphasised that these changes are part of a broader strategy to strengthen governance and promote academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
