President Tinubu sacks UNN, UniAbuja VCs, approves new leadership in Federal Varsities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities across the country, including a major rebranding of the University of Abuja, which will now be known as Yakubu Gowon University.

The changes, which take effect immediately, include a total overhaul of the governing body at the newly renamed Yakubu Gowon University.

The university’s governing council has been dissolved, and Professor Aisha Maikudi has been relieved of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.

In her place, President Tinubu has appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term.

However, the President clarified that Professor Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position once the role becomes available.

The leadership reshuffle extends to other prominent universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where President Tinubu has made key adjustments ahead of an impending leadership transition.

Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu, whose tenure as Acting Vice-Chancellor was due to expire on 14th of February 2025, has been removed from his position.

In his stead, Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor at UNN for a six-month term. Like Manko, Ujam will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice-Chancellor position.

This was made known via a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, 6th of February 2025.

The statement partly reads:

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.

“These changes are effective immediately.

“At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.

“Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

“To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term.

“She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.

“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.

“President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held 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.

“All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>>