In a move to revamp Nigeria’s higher education system, President Bola Tinubu has announced leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
As part of the overhaul, president Tinubu dissolved the governing council at Yakubu Gowon University and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, will now oversee the university, while Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term.
At UNN, Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor, appointing Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam as his successor. This appointment is also for a six-month term. Also, the role of Pro-Chancellor at UNN was reassigned, with Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo replacing Gen. Ike Nwachukwu.
Other significant changes include Senator Sani Stores becoming the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, while Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi takes over as Pro-Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka.
According to a statement released by the Director of Information, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “These leadership changes are part of my administration’s effort to ensure accountability and promote excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” it added all appointments are effective immediately.
