Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja, is set to experience a new phase of leadership following a major shake-up announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The restructuring, which is part of a broader overhaul across several federal universities, aims to strengthen governance, promote academic excellence, and enhance institutional accountability.
As part of the changes, President Tinubu dissolved the university's governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. However, she will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice-Chancellor position when the appointment process begins.
In addition to the Vice-Chancellor's change, Yakubu Gowon University will have a new Pro-Chancellor. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who previously served as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed to lead the university’s governing council. His previous position in Makurdi has been filled by Senator Joy Emordi, who now assumes the role of Pro-Chancellor at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
The decision to rename the University of Abuja as Yakubu Gowon University was made to honor Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, for his contributions to national unity and educational development. The leadership shake-up is expected to bring new energy to the university, reinforcing its role as a leading institution for higher learning in Nigeria.
President Tinubu emphasized that the leadership changes align with his administration’s vision to revitalize Nigeria’s higher education sector. By appointing new leaders with proven expertise and a strong commitment to academic growth, the government aims to improve governance, research, and innovation across federal universities.
With the transition now underway, stakeholders in the university community are optimistic that the new leadership will steer Yakubu Gowon University toward greater academic excellence and institutional stability.
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 Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode 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.
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.
Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additionally, Barrister 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.
President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
