President Bola Tinubu has ordered a leadership overhauling of federal universities across the country, dissolving the entire governing council of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja, aka UniAbuja) and dismissing its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Maikudi, with immediate effect.
Announcing the unexpected shake-up in a statement on Thursday, the President’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Professor Patricia Manko has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month tenure. However, in a twist, Onanuga revealed that Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position once it is officially declared open.
The restructuring effort does not stop there. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has now been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, aka UniAbuja. In turn, Tejuoso will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, who has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
The shockwaves from Tinubu’s leadership overhaul extend beyond Yakubu Gowon University. Professor Polycarp Chigbu, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has also been relieved of his duties before his term’s official expiration date of February 14. His replacement, Professor Oguejiofu Ujam, has been appointed for six months—though like Manko, he will not be permitted to apply for the permanent role.
Adding to the drastic changes, the leadership of UNN’s governing council has also been restructured. General Ike Nwachukwu, who previously held the position of Pro-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo. In turn, the President has named Olubunmi Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo had previously served as Pro-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Meanwhile, Professor Zubairu Abdullahi, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been assigned to take over from Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja. Senator Sani Stores, who was a council member at UNN, has now been promoted to Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Additionally, Olugbenga Kukoyi, another council member from UNN, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
The presidency has justified these drastic changes as a strategic effort to reinvigorate the country’s higher education sector with fresh leadership and renewed accountability.
“These appointments and reassignments take effect immediately,” the presidency declared, emphasizing that the restructuring aims to enhance governance, academic excellence, and administrative efficiency in Nigeria’s universities.
President Tinubu’s decision underscores his administration’s determination to overhaul key institutions, ensuring they align with his broader vision for national development.
Stay tuned as this story develops.
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