President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her role as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, while also relieving Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu of his duties as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The leadership changes, which take immediate effect, were confirmed in a statement by the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The restructuring at Yakubu Gowon University includes the dissolution of its entire governing council, with Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now appointed as the institution’s new Pro-Chancellor.
His position in Makurdi will be taken over by Senator Joy Emordi, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education. Additionally, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term, but she will not be eligible to contest for the substantive position.
Similarly, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Chigbu was removed before the expiration of his tenure, and Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, also ineligible for the permanent role.
Leadership changes at UNN also affected the position of Pro-Chancellor, with General Ike Nwachukwu being reassigned to the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja and Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Further adjustments include Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, now taking over at the Federal University of Lokoja, while Senator Sani Stores replaces Senator Joy Emordi as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a former Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
President Tinubu also emphasized that these sweeping changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education sector through improved governance and accountability.
He reiterated that the restructuring is aimed at strengthening leadership, fostering academic excellence, and ensuring that Nigerian universities operate efficiently to meet global standards.