By Joy Yesufu
President Bola Tinubu has launched a sweeping overhaul of leadership at several federal universities, dissolving the governing council of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly UniAbuja) and appointing new vice-chancellors.
Effective immediately, Professor Aisha Maikudi has been relieved of her role as Vice-Chancellor.
In her place, President Tinubu appointed Professor Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, with the condition that she is ineligible for the permanent position when it becomes available.
In a similar move, Professor Polycarp Chigbu has also been removed from his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before his tenure’s completion on February 14.
Professor Oguejiofu Ujam will step in as his successor, also for six months, under the same condition regarding permanency.
Additional leadership shifts include the appointment of Senator Lanre Tejuoso as Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, succeeding him in his previous role at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, with Senator Joy Emordi taking over there.
New Pro-Chancellors have been appointed across the board, including:
– Gen. Ike Nwachukwu at the University of Uyo,
– Olubunmi Ojo at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
– Senator Sani Stores at Alvan Ikoku University of Education, and
– Olugbenga Kukoyi at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
These appointments come as part of Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system, emphasizing improved governance and accountability within universities. The presidency describes this restructuring as a necessary step toward fostering academic excellence in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
