President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes across several federal universities, including renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University. The restructuring, effective immediately, reflects the administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.

At Yakubu Gowon University, the President dissolved the entire governing council and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor. In her place, he appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, with a directive that she will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position. Additionally, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, formerly 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, previously the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

Significant changes have also been made at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). President Tinubu relieved Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu of his duties as Acting Vice-Chancellor ahead of his tenure’s scheduled conclusion on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his replacement for six months, under the same eligibility restriction for the permanent position. The leadership shakeup at UNN also includes the reassignment of Gen. Ike Nwachukwu as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, with Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo taking over as UNN’s new Pro-Chancellor. Ojo previously held the same role at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Further appointments include:

• Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi as Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Lokoja, succeeding Engineer Ojo.

• Senator Sani Stores as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi.

• Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, currently a Council Member at UNN, as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

President Tinubu emphasized that these changes aim to strengthen governance, improve academic standards, and enhance efficiency within Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The administration is prioritizing accountability and reform in higher education to ensure institutions align with national development goals.