President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made significant changes to the leadership of several federal universities in Nigeria. He removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja (now renamed Yakubu Gowon University) and Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ahead of their expected tenure completion on February 14.
In their place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja for a six-month period. She will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice Chancellor position. Similarly, Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor of UNN for six months and is also barred from contesting for the permanent position.
The President further replaced the Pro-Chancellors of these universities and those of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA), Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK).
These changes are effective immediately and are part of the government’s efforts to improve Nigeria’s higher education system by fostering strong leadership and accountability.