In a major move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s higher education sector, President Bola Tinubu has appointed the governing council, principal officers, and a new Pro-Chancellor for the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, in Ekiti State.
This decision also includes the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, in Benue State.
Senator Binta Masi Garba, a former Senator for the Adamawa North District and an experienced businesswoman has been named the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council for the Iyin Ekiti institution.
Her tenure in public service spans her time in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011 and the Senate from 2015 to 2019.
The Governing Council members for the Federal University of Iyin Ekiti include Prof. Joseph Olurotimi Sanya, Mr. Efe Emefienin Emmanuel, Dr. Joyce Ogunyemi, and Alhaji Dahiru Abdullahi Ruma.
The newly appointed Principal Officers for the university include Prof. James Olugbenga Aribisala as Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Oluwole Olalere Dada as Registrar, Mrs. Adeniyi Rachael Ajayi as Bursar, and Prof. Isaac Oluwadare Busayo as Librarian.
President Tinubu expressed his appreciation for the advocacy work of Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele in the establishment of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, noting that the institution will play a key role in advancing academic and technological development in the country.
He urged the new appointees to utilize their leadership experience to foster excellence in research and innovation.
“The appointment of these distinguished individuals is an important step in ensuring that the university fulfils its mission to provide quality education and research that will contribute to national development,” President Tinubu stated.
The new university in Iyin Ekiti is set to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.
In addition, President Tinubu has appointed Prof. Muhammed Salihu Audu as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo.
Prof. Audu, a distinguished academic and former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, succeeds Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami in the position.