[BREAKING] Tinubu Overhauls Federal Universities’ Leadership: Dissolves, Sacks, and Reshuffles Key Officials

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced sweeping leadership changes across several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, which has now been renamed Yakubu Gowon University.

These changes, aimed at enhancing governance and academic excellence, take effect immediately.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who emphasized that the restructuring aligns with Tinubu’s vision for a revitalized higher education system in Nigeria.

Leadership Changes at Yakubu Gowon University

At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu has dissolved the governing council and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor. In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month tenure. However, she will not be eligible to apply for the permanent role once the selection process begins.

Additionally, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously serving as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been reassigned as the new Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Taking his place in Makurdi is Senator Joy Emordi, who has been moved from her previous position as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Restructuring

At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), President Tinubu has dismissed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor, ahead of his scheduled tenure expiration on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor, also for a six-month tenure, with the condition that he will not be eligible for the substantive position.

The leadership restructuring at UNN extends beyond the Vice-Chancellor position. General Ike Nwachukwu, who was serving as Pro-Chancellor, has been reassigned to the same position at the University of Uyo. Replacing him at UNN is Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously held the role of Pro-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Additional University Leadership Appointments

Further appointments include:

• Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, who was the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has now been assigned to Federal University of Lokoja, succeeding Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo.
• Senator Sani Stores, previously a Council Member at UNN, has taken over as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Senator Joy Emordi.
• Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, also a Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

Government’s Rationale for the Reshuffle

According to the official statement, President Tinubu has emphasized that these appointments and reassignments reflect his administration’s commitment to strengthening the governance of Nigeria’s higher education institutions. The President underscored that the move is part of a broader strategy to instill accountability, efficiency, and excellence in the nation’s tertiary education sector.

The restructuring, Tinubu believes, will bolster leadership across universities, ensure institutional stability, and drive long-term improvements in academic standards.

With these significant changes, stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector will be watching closely to see how these new appointments impact the country’s university system in the months ahead.