BREAKING: Tinubu renames UniAbuja to Yakubu Gowon University

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implemented significant leadership changes across several federal universities, including the University of Abuja (now renamed Yakubu Gowon University), effective immediately.

A statement from presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced the changes on Thursday afternoon.

At the newly named Yakubu Gowon University (formerly UniAbuja), President Tinubu has dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently serving as Pro-Chancellor at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, who previously held the position at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

To replace Prof. Maikudi, President Tinubu has appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, with the condition that she will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice-Chancellor position once it opens.

In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ahead of the completion of his tenure on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been named his six-month successor and will also be ineligible for the permanent position.

Leadership changes at UNN also include a shift in the role of Pro-Chancellor. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo, with Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Ojo previously served as Pro-Chancellor at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, who currently holds the position of Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo, will replace Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.

Senator Sani Stores has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, replacing Senator Joy Emordi. Stores is also a Council Member at UNN.

Furthermore, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at UNN, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

All appointments and reassignments take effect immediately.

President Tinubu stated that these leadership changes are part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s higher education system, emphasizing governance and academic excellence. The restructuring is aimed at revitalizing tertiary education through dynamic leadership and increased accountability.