*Shuffle Governing Council of several universities
President Bola Ahmed 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.
This was part of ongoing leadership changes across many federal universities in the country, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as Chigbu’s successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
The reshuffling at UNN extendes to the office of the Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to become the new Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.
The President also appointed Engr. Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Before now, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Prof. Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, the current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
Sen. Sani Stores is the new pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Sen. Joy Emordi. Sen. Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Equally, Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
At the Yakubu Gowon University, Mr Tinubu dissolved the entire Governing Council and relieved Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
Sen. 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, Mr 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.
All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.
Mr Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising 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.
