In a surprise move, President Bola Tinubu has sacked Professor Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) and dissolved the university’s Governing Council. Maikudi’s removal comes after her controversial appointment in December, which was met with opposition from academic staff and council members ¹.
The President also announced a series of new appointments, including Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja for a six-month term. Manko will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice-Chancellor position when it becomes available.
Other changes include:
– *New Pro-Chancellors*: Senator Lanre Tejuoso will take over as Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, while Senator Joy Emordi will become Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
– *Leadership Changes at UNN*: Prof Polycarp Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Oguejiofu Ujam will take over for six months.
– *New Appointments*: Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo will become the new Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, while Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi will take over as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
Tinubu emphasized that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
