In a significant move to reform Nigeria’s higher education system, President Bola Tinubu has announced a series of leadership changes at several federal universities. The most notable of these is the dismissal of Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, which has now been renamed Yakubu Gowon University.

According to a statement from the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, these changes take effect immediately. The entire governing council of Yakubu Gowon University has been dissolved, and Prof. Maikudi has been removed from her position. Prof. Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, but she is not eligible for the permanent role.

In addition to these changes, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, who served as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture in Makurdi, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Sen. Joy Emordi, who previously held the position at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

Meanwhile, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Polycarp Chigbu has been removed from his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his term officially ends. He will be replaced by Prof. Oguejiofu Ujam for six months, with the understanding that Ujam will not be eligible for the permanent position.

Other leadership changes include the reassignment of Gen. Ike Nwachukwu to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo and the appointment of Engr. Olubunmi Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo previously held similar positions at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Senator Sani Stores will now serve as the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, and Olugbenga Kukoyi has been appointed as Pro-Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra.

These changes are part of President Tinubu’s broader goal to revitalize Nigeria’s higher education system, focusing on improving governance, leadership, and academic excellence across the country’s universities. The President stressed that these reforms reflect his commitment to driving positive change in the education sector.