President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja (now renamed Yakubu Gowon University), Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, barely six weeks after her appointment.
Maikudi, 42, was named the institution’s seventh substantive Vice Chancellor on December 31, 2024, by its governing council, with her tenure officially commencing on January 1, 2025, for a non-renewable five-year term. Prior to this, she had served as the university’s Acting Vice Chancellor since July 5, 2024.
Announcing the leadership changes in a statement on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, confirmed that Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor. The statement also noted that Maikudi will not be eligible to contest for the substantive position when it is advertised.
Alongside Maikudi’s removal, President Tinubu also dissolved the university’s governing council. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Senator Joy Emordi will replace him in Makurdi.
The leadership restructuring extends beyond UniAbuja, affecting several other federal universities:
– University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN):
– Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice Chancellor before the completion of his tenure on February 14.
– Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor for six months and is ineligible to apply for the substantive role.
– Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN, taking over from Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, who now moves to the University of Uyo.
– Federal University of Lokoja:
– Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, the former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, will now serve as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, succeeding Ojo.
– Alvan Ikoku University of Education:
– Senator Sani Stores, previously a Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor, replacing Senator Joy Emordi.
– Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka:
– Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a former Council Member at UNN, has been named Pro-Chancellor of the university.
According to the statement, all appointments and restructuring decisions take immediate effect. President Tinubu emphasized that these changes align with his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education sector by ensuring dynamic leadership and accountability.
The presidency explained that the reforms aim to strengthen governance and enhance academic standards across federal universities.
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