By Fidel Ozugha
The Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof Aisha Sani Maikudi has been relieved of her duty. The University’s name was also changed from University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
In a press release signed by Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, and made available to The NationGuardNews.com, President Tinubu reportedly dissolved the entire governing council of the University.
The release, dated February 3, 2025,,disclosed that 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 Maikudi, 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.

Former Vice Chancellor Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi
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 release explained.
Going further, 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.

Prof Polycarp Chigbu of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
The current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi 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.

According to Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately. the restructuring was aimed to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
