On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly UniAbuja) and removed Professor Aisha Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor, effective immediately.
In a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was announced that Professor Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term.
However, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice-Chancellor position once it becomes available.
Additionally, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, the current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, was named Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, with Senator Joy Emordi set to succeed him in Makurdi.
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Furthermore, Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Chigbu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, prior to his tenure’s expiration on February 14, 2025.
Professor Oguejiofu Ujam was appointed as his six-month successor but will also not be eligible for the permanent position.
The leadership changes at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka also involved the reassignment of Pro-Chancellor Gen. Ike Nwachukwu to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo, with Olubunmi Ojo appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo had previously held similar positions at the Federal Universities of Lokoja and Oye-Ekiti.
Tinubu also appointed Professor Zubairu Abdullahi, the current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, as the new Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja.
Meanwhile, Senator Sani Stores was appointed Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, and Olugbenga Kukoyi was named the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
All appointments and reassignment decisions take effect immediately.
Tinubu emphasized that these changes are part of his administration’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s higher education system through strong leadership and accountability, aiming to improve governance and academic excellence in the sector.