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

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday afternoon, the changes were effective immediately.

At Yakubu Gowon University (formerly UniAbua), 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 Prof. Maikudi, Onanuga said 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.

“President 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,” Onanuga added.

The newly elected Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is set to embark on a transformative journey to shape the institution’s future.

The University concluded its governing council elections under the leadership of General Ike Nwachukwu, the Pro-Chancellor, and Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu, the Acting Vice-Chancellor.

According to a press statement by  Prof. Ifeanyichukwu Abada, Department of Political Science, the elections covered several representative categories, with the following individuals emerging victorious.

The Senate representatives who will represent the Senate in the Governing Council are Professor Ejim Emmanuel Chukwudi, Professor Idika Kalu Idika, Professor Attahmah Anthony, Professor Agwu Ekwe Agwu.

“Their election underscores the faith of the university’s academic body in their capacity to lead and contribute meaningfully to governance.

“Congregation Representatives: The Congregation elections affirmed inclusivity’s importance by featuring teaching and non-teaching staff.

“Mr. Temple Onwukwe was elected as the Congregation Representative for Non-Teaching Staff, recognised for his unwavering dedication to the institution.

“Professor Onyishi Ike was elected as the Congregation Representative for Teaching Staff, reflecting his peers’ trust in his vision and leadership,” the statement added.

Looking ahead, he said the newly elected Governing Council representatives face the significant responsibility of driving policies and initiatives that will propel UNN to greater heights.

“Their diverse perspectives and shared commitment to excellence provide a strong foundation for addressing the institution’s challenges and leveraging growth opportunities.

“UNN’s innovative approach to governance, particularly through the digital Convocation election, has established it as a leader in institutional modernisation. The success of these elections signals a bright future for the university, where inclusivity, transparency, and technological innovation remain at the forefront of its vision.”