President Bola Tinubu has made significant changes in Nigeria’s higher education sector. In a decisive move, Tinubu sacks UniAbuja and UNN Vice-Chancellors, dissolving governing councils and renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
According to a statement from Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the leadership shake-up aims to improve university governance and academic excellence. As part of the restructuring, Tinubu sacks UniAbuja Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, replacing her with Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting VC for six months. However, Manko is not eligible for a permanent appointment.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been dismissed as Acting Vice-Chancellor ahead of his tenure completion on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as Acting VC for six months, but he is also ineligible for a permanent role.
The changes extend beyond Vice-Chancellors. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, formerly Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been reassigned to Yakubu Gowon University. Senator Joy Emordi has taken over his previous role.
According to Onanuga, these appointments reflect Tinubu’s commitment to university reform and accountability. His administration aims to strengthen leadership structures and improve education policies.
Reactions to the decision have been mixed. Some see it as a step toward revitalizing Nigerian universities, while others criticize the abrupt changes and the exclusion of acting VCs from permanent appointments.
With ongoing issues like underfunding and staff strikes, Tinubu sacks UniAbuja Vice-Chancellor as part of a broader strategy to reform Nigeria’s university system. However, the long-term impact remains uncertain.
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