- Tinubu Removes UniAbuja, UNN VCs, Appoints Replacements
- It’s Part Of A Broader Effort To Reform Higher Education System-Presidency
- Teachers Union Commences Strike In Seven Ebonyi LGAs
In a sweeping leadership overhaul, President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the governing council of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja) and dismissed its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Maikudi, with immediate effect.
This restructuring is not limited to Yakubu Gowon University. Tinubu has also dismissed Professor Polycarp Chigbu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), even before his tenure’s scheduled end on February 14.
The move, announced on Thursday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, signals a broader shake-up in Nigeria’s federal university system.
Alongside Maikudi’s removal, the President appointed Professor Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months. However, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the substantive VC role when it becomes available.
Similarly, Chigbu’s replacement, Professor Oguejiofu Ujam, will also serve for six months and will not be considered for a permanent appointment.
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The Matrix gathered that Tinubu’s administration has positioned these changes as part of a broader effort to reform Nigeria’s higher education system. Onanuga emphasized that the President is focused on revitalizing university governance and promoting academic excellence.
The ripple effects of these changes extend beyond vice-chancellors. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, formerly Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, is now the Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.
His previous position will be filled by Senator Joy Emordi, who previously held the same role at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Meanwhile, Olubunmi Ojo, formerly Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has been reassigned to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Other notable reassignments include:
General Ike Nwachukwu moves as Pro-Chancellor of UNN to the University of Uyo.
Professor Zubairu Abdullahi takes over as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja.
Senator Sani Stores replaces Joy Emordi as Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Olugbenga Kukoyi, a council member at UNN, now serves as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
According to the presidency, these appointments and reassignments take immediate effect.
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Tinubu’s administration has positioned these changes as part of a broader effort to reform Nigeria’s higher education system. Onanuga emphasized that the President is focused on revitalizing university governance and promoting academic excellence.
“This restructuring aims to strengthen governance and accountability within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” Onanuga said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ebonyi State has declared an indefinite strike in seven local government areas due to the non-payment of four months’ salaries to some teachers.
In a statement released by NUT Secretary, Bassey Asuquo, the affected LGAs were listed as Ebonyi, Edda, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ivo, Ishielu, and Ohaukwu.
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“Sequel to our earlier notice on mobilization for industrial strike action, we have thoroughly reviewed the compliance of local government chairmen regarding the clearance of our members’ salaries.
“As of the close of work on February 5, 2025, we acknowledge that certain local government areas have cleared the salaries of our members.
“However, we regret to inform you that several local government chairmen have failed to clear the backlog of our members’ outstanding salaries.
“In response to this non-compliance, we hereby declare an indefinite strike in the following Local Government Areas: Edda, Ebonyi, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ishielu, Ivo, and Ohaukwu,” the statement read.
The NUT directed its state and branch officers in the affected LGAs to strictly enforce the strike from 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
“We call on all members to remain steadfast and continue their support for the strike action. This includes organizing and maintaining solidarity picket lines and monitoring compliance across the affected localities”.
