By Balogun Tumininu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made significant changes to the leadership of several federal universities in Nigeria, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
The changes, which take effect immediately, include the removal of Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, despite his tenure not ending until February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for a six-month term.
At Yakubu Gowon University, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been relieved of her duties as Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month term.
Other changes include the appointment of new Pro-Chancellors for several universities, including Senator Lanre Tejuoso for Yakubu Gowon University, Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo for UNN, and Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi for Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
According to President Tinubu, these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability. The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.