President Bola Tinubu has announced major leadership changes across federal universities, including the University of Abuja now Yakubu Gowon University.
The shake-up, which takes effect immediately, was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
“At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Prof. Aisha Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
“Sen. Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University.
“He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Sen. Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education,” the statement read.
To replace Maikudi, Tinubu appointed Prof. Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor at Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. However, she will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.
The leadership changes also affect the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Prof. Polycarp Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his tenure ends on February 14. Prof. Oguejiofu Ujam has been appointed as his successor, also 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 Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.
“President Tinubu appointed Engr. Olubunmi Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
“Prof. Zubairu Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja,” the statement added.
Other appointments include Sen. Sani Stores as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Sen. Joy Emordi. Stores has also been named a Council Member at UNN. Additionally, Mr. Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at UNN, is now the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
“All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.
“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,” the statement concluded.
