Leadership shake-ups hit UniAbuja, UNN, others as Tinubu removes VCs announces replacements

In a new development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed vice-chancellors from the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), signifying a significant leadership change.

The President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanugu, stated that these reforms take effect immediately.

At Yakubu Gowon University, Onanuga stated that President Tinubu disbanded the whole governing council and stripped Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice Chancellor.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who is now Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been named Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Senator Joy Emordi, who is now the pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, will succeed him in Makurdi.

To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu selected Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will be ineligible to apply for the substantive Vice chancellor position if it becomes vacant.

Furthermore, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his post as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his term expires on February 14.

Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his six-month successor and will be ineligible to apply for the permanent seat.

The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.

Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a council member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

Onanuga reiterated that all appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.

Tinubu stated that these measures demonstrate his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education sector via dynamic leadership and accountability.

The reorganization is intended to promote governance and academic excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.