Breaking: Tinubu Dissolves UNIAbuja Council, Appoints New Leaders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities in Nigeria, effective immediately.

At the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, the entire governing council has been dissolved, and Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been relieved of her duties as Vice-Chancellor. Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position when it becomes available. Senator Lanre Tejuoso has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor, succeeding his role as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor, ahead of his tenure’s expiration on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, with the same restriction of ineligibility for the permanent position.

Gen. Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo, and Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.

Other appointments include Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Senator Sani Stores as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, and Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

The presidency stated that these changes aim to strengthen governance, ensure academic excellence, and promote accountability across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.