Tinubu sacks UNIABUJA, UNN Vice-Chancellors, announces leadership changes in other Federal Universities

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announces significant leadership changes in several Nigerian Federal Universities, emphasising the changes have reflected his administration’s commitment to revitalising the country’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes in several Federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University and the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka.

The Federal Government affirmed these fresh changes are effective immediately.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this development in a statement Thursday, February 6, 2025, said at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, President Tinubu dissolved the entire Governing Council, and relieved Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as the Vice-Chancellor.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University.

The Federal Government says Tejuoso would be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

The statement also indicated President Tinubu appointed Prof. Lar Patricia Manko to succeed to succeed Maikudi, as Acting Vice-Chancellor at Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term.

Onanuga also noted Prof. Manko would not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.

Besides, President Tinubu has removed Prof. Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, ahead of his tenure, which ends February 14 this year.

Tinubu appointed Prof. Oguejiofu T. Ujam as his successor for six months, and he also would not be eligible to apply for the permanent position as the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Other leadership overhaul in Federal Government-owned Universities

The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), in Akwa Ibom State.

The Presidential aide further said Tinubu appointed Engr. Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo had held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Prof. Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja, the statement noted.

Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi.

Senator Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in Awka, Anambra State.

Onanuga stated that all appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.

He noted President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.

The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the statement added.