In a sweeping move to restructure the leadership of federal universities, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sacked the Vice-Chancellors of the University of Abuja and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), while making high-profile appointments to key positions.
One of the most notable changes is the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, marking a historic rebranding of the institution. Alongside this change, Tinubu dissolved the university’s governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
Stepping in as the Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term is Professor Lar Patricia Manko. However, in a directive signaling a potential fresh direction for the university, Manko has been ruled out from contesting for the permanent position when the selection process begins.
The shake-up extended beyond Yakubu Gowon University, as Tinubu also reshuffled key leadership positions at other institutions. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been reassigned as the Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. His vacancy in Makurdi will now be filled by Senator Joy Emordi, who has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Announcing these developments in a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, emphasized that the leadership changes align with Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system.
These moves reflect the administration’s broader agenda of institutional reforms, ensuring accountability and excellence in the management of Nigeria’s federal universities.
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