JUST IN: Tinubu Reshuffles Leadership at Federal Universities, Removes UniAbuja VC

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implemented a major leadership overhaul in several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University. The changes, which take effect immediately, involve the dissolution of governing councils and the appointment of new leadership in key institutions.

At Yakubu Gowon University, Tinubu removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor and dissolved the university’s governing council. This move follows a contentious selection process in December 2024, when Maikudi’s appointment was met with criticism from academic stakeholders. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, formerly Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

To replace Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. However, she will not be eligible to apply for the permanent role once the position is formally opened.

Similar changes have been made at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu was removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his tenure’s scheduled expiration on February 14. He has been replaced by Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam, who will also serve for six months and is barred from applying for the permanent position.

Leadership restructuring at UNN extends to the Pro-Chancellor role, with General Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to the University of Uyo. Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, previously Pro-Chancellor at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi will take Ojo’s former position at the Federal University of Lokoja.

Additional appointments include Senator Sani Stores as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Stores was previously a Council Member at UNN. Meanwhile, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, also a former Council Member at UNN, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

President Tinubu emphasized that these changes are part of his administration’s strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s higher education sector through strong governance, accountability, and academic excellence. The restructuring is aimed at fostering better leadership within the country’s tertiary institutions.