By Patrick Idowu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the University of Abuja as Yakubu Gowon University and implemented sweeping leadership changes across several federal universities.
In a statement on Thursday, Presidential Adviser on Media, Bayo Onanuga, announced the dissolution of UniAbuja’s governing council and the removal of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term but will not be eligible for the substantive position.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, is now the Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.
His former role will be filled by Senator Joy Emordi, who moves to Alvan Ikoku University of Education as Pro-Chancellor.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), President Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his tenure’s expiration.
Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam will serve as Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, also ineligible for the permanent role.
Leadership changes at UNN also saw General Ike Nwachukwu reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo takes over as Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Other key appointments include:
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi as Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Lokoja.
Senator Sani Stores as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
President Tinubu emphasized that these reforms reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education sector by strengthening governance, leadership, and academic excellence.
