President Bola Tinubu orchestrated a sweeping reorganization of leadership across multiple federal universities, with significant changes affecting the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the newly renamed Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja.
The presidential directive, announced by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, saw the immediate removal of Professor Aisha Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Professor Patricia Manko steps in as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, with the unique stipulation that she cannot vie for the permanent position.
At UNN, Professor Polycarp Chigbu’s tenure as Acting Vice-Chancellor was cut short before its February 14 conclusion, with Professor Oguejiofu Ujam appointed to serve a six-month acting term under similar restrictions regarding permanent appointment eligibility.
The reorganization extends beyond vice-chancellorships to include significant changes in pro-chancellor positions across several institutions. Senator Lanre Tejuoso transitions from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, to assume the pro-chancellor role at Yakubu Gowon University, while General Ike Nwachukwu moves to the University of Uyo.
These changes reflect broader efforts to refresh institutional leadership across Nigeria’s federal university system. The appointment of Olubunmi Ojo as UNN’s new pro-chancellor brings experience from previous roles at federal universities in Lokoja and Oye-Ekiti, suggesting a strategic redistribution of seasoned educational administrators.
The restructuring also impacts regional representation in university governance. The appointment of Senator Sani Stores to Alvan Ikoku University of Education and Olugbenga Kukoyi to Nnamdi Azikiwe University introduces new perspectives to these institutions’ leadership.
This comprehensive overhaul of university administration comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s higher education sector. The immediate implementation of these changes signals the administration’s urgency in reshaping institutional governance structures.
For affected universities, these changes represent significant shifts in institutional direction. Yakubu Gowon University’s transformation, marked by both a name change and new leadership, suggests potential broader reforms in its institutional identity and governance approach.
The restriction preventing acting vice-chancellors from seeking permanent positions notably aims to ensure transparent succession processes. This policy potentially creates opportunities for fresh leadership while maintaining institutional stability during transition periods.
These appointments notably affect some of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions. UNN, as Nigeria’s first indigenous university, and the strategically located Yakubu Gowon University in the federal capital territory, play crucial roles in the nation’s higher education landscape.
The reorganization demonstrates President Tinubu’s active involvement in shaping Nigeria’s educational sector, with immediate implementation suggesting determination to effect rapid institutional change. These leadership changes may signal broader reforms in Nigeria’s university system administration.
