President Bola Tinubu has implemented immediate leadership changes across several Nigerian universities, according to a statement from his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
At Yakubu Gowon University, the President dissolved the entire governing council and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her role as Vice Chancellor. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who was Pro-Chancellor at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has now been appointed to the same position at Yakubu Gowon University. In his place, Senator Joy Emordi, formerly Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, will take over in Makurdi.
To replace Maikudi, Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, with the condition that she cannot apply for the permanent role once it becomes available.
Similarly, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the President dismissed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his term’s scheduled conclusion on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been named as his interim replacement for six months and will also be ineligible to apply for the substantive position.
Changes at UNN extend to its governing council, where General Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo. Meanwhile, Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously held pro-chancellorship positions at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Further restructuring includes Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, now taking over the same role at the Federal University of Lokoja. Senator Sani Stores, a Council Member at UNN, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Senator Joy Emordi.
Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, another Council Member at UNN, has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
Onanuga emphasized that these appointments and reassignments take effect immediately. He also highlighted that President Tinubu views these changes as part of his administration’s broader effort to reform and enhance Nigeria’s higher education system by fostering strong leadership and accountability. The restructuring aims to improve governance and academic excellence across the country’s universities.
