President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made some bold leadership decisions that are shaking up the academic landscape in Nigeria. In a series of moves affecting key federal universities, Tinubu has not only dismissed the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja but has also appointed new Acting Vice Chancellors and Pro-Chancellors at several institutions. Here’s a closer look at the key changes.
The University of Abuja’s Controversial Leadership Change
In a surprising turn of events, President Tinubu has removed Professor Aisha Maikudi from her position as Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, which has now been renamed Yakubu Gowon University. The announcement came just hours after Maikudi presided over the university’s matriculation ceremony, sparking further debate.
Maikudi’s tenure had been controversial, with some lecturers claiming she had occupied the position illegally. To stabilize the leadership at the university, Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as the Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month term. However, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent VC role when the position is advertised.
Shake-up at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Not stopping at UNIABUJA, Tinubu also made changes at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu, who was serving as the Acting Vice Chancellor, was removed just days before the end of his term. In his place, Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam was appointed as the new Acting Vice Chancellor, effective for a six-month term, with the same restriction on applying for the permanent role.
Along with the VC change, Tinubu also reassigned leadership within the university’s governance structure. General Ike Nwachukwu, the current Pro-Chancellor of UNN, was moved to the University of Uyo. Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo was appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo’s previous role was Pro-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Pro-Chancellor Shifts Across Nigerian Universities
Leadership reshuffling didn’t stop at the Vice Chancellor level. Tinubu made several notable changes in the roles of Pro-Chancellors at various universities:
- Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi was appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor for the Federal University of Lokoja, succeeding Engineer Ojo.
- Senator Sani Stores was named the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, taking over from Senator Joy Emordi.
- Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
- Finally, Senator Lanre Tejuoso has been moved to the newly renamed Yakubu Gowon University as Pro-Chancellor, with Senator Joy Emordi succeeding him at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
What This Means for Nigerian Universities
These leadership changes signal a new direction for several Nigerian federal universities. With new acting appointments, changes in governance, and leadership fresh starts, Tinubu seems intent on shaking up the status quo and instilling a more structured and accountable management system within these institutions.
Read also: Breaking: Tinubu Increases 2025 Budget From ₦49.7 Trillion To ₦54.2 Trillion
For both students and faculty, these moves could bring a renewed focus on academic excellence and administrative efficiency. However, only time will tell how these leadership shifts will impact the universities in the long run.
