ABUJA, Nigeria – The Governing Council of the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, has approved the appointment of Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi as its substantive Vice-Chancellor, marking a new leadership transition at the institution.
The announcement was made during the Council’s 80th Extraordinary Meeting on Friday.
Professor Fawehinmi, currently Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University, will assume office on 10 February 2026, for a single, five-year, non-renewable tenure.
“The appointment takes effect from Tuesday, 10 February 2026, and is for a non-renewable tenure of five years,” said Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob.
The Council also approved an extension of the tenure of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, who will continue in the role until Fawehinmi assumes duty. Adamu was first appointed on 11 August 2025.
Fawehinmi is a Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology and is recognised for extensive academic leadership.
He previously served as Head of Department, Associate Dean, Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Port Harcourt. His work includes national and international professional service, competitive research grants and a patented anthropometric research invention.
The university community is expected to shift focus towards expanded research cooperation, enhanced postgraduate training and improved global partnerships under his tenure.
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