President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, February 6, announced a change in the leadership structure of various federal universities across the country.
A statement by the presidential aide on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga said the changes are to take effect immediately.
According to Onanuga, the governing council of the Yakubu Gowon University formerly University of Abuja was dissolved with Professor Aisha Maikudi relived of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
At the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who is the cuurent Pro-Chancellor has now been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University.
Tejosu will be succeeded in Makurdi by Joy Emordi, the current pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed to succeed Maikudi as the Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term.
Manko, however will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.
Onanuga said, “In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.
“Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
“The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo,” he said.
Also, Engineer Olubunmi Ojo has been appointed bu the president as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Ojo was previously serving the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
“Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
“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
The presidential aide added that the changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
Also, it is expected that the restructuring would strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.