Acting Vice-Chancellor (Aisha Maikudi)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made significant changes to the leadership of several federal universities in Nigeria, effective immediately. One of the universities affected is the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, where the entire governing council was dissolved, and Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi was relieved of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
Notably, Professor Maikudi was the first female head of the institution. To replace her, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as the Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month term. However, she won’t be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.
Five Key Facts About UniAbuja’s New VC, Professor Patricia Manko Lar
- Early Life and Education: Born on January 1, 1964, in Langtang, Plateau State, Professor Lar earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Microbiology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1986.
- Academic Achievements: She obtained her Master’s degree in 1989 and her Doctorate from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 1998. She was subsequently appointed Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos on October 1, 2015.
- Professional Affiliations: Professor Lar is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), the Nigerian Association of Medical Scientists (NAMS), the Nigerian Association of Women Academics (NAWACS), the Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM), the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the Third World Organisation of Women in Science (TWOS), and the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA), where she serves as Secretary General.
- Personal Interests: The new VC enjoys singing, traveling, and staying informed by reading newspapers.
- Background: Professor Lar hails from Langtang, Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Additionally, President Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), even before his tenure was set to end on February 14. These changes were announced through a press statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu has made several key changes in the leadership of various Nigerian universities. At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor, despite his tenure not ending until February 14. He will be succeeded by Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam, who will serve for six months but won’t be eligible for the permanent position.
Additionally, there have been changes in the role of Pro-Chancellor at UNN, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu being reassigned to the University of Uyo. Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN.
Other appointments include:
- Senator Lanre Tejuoso: Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, succeeding his role at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
- Senator Joy Emordi: Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, taking over from Senator Lanre Tejuoso.
- Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi: Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, succeeding Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo
President Tinubu stressed that the recent leadership changes in Nigerian universities demonstrate his administration’s dedication to revitalizing the country’s higher education system. This overhaul is designed to promote dynamic leadership, accountability, and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. The ultimate goal is to strengthen governance and propel Nigerian universities to new heights.
Things you should know also about UniAbuja
What Year is University of Abuja Founded
Do you know that University of Abuja will be 37years old on 1st January 2025? The University of Abuja was established in 1988 and operated from an improvised location at Wuse, Abuja, for two years before moving to the three blocks of building at the Mini Campus, Gwagwalada, where academic activities began in 1991.
From four faculties in 1991, the UofA now has 16 faculties, virtually all of which are on the Airport road, Main Campus of the University.
The faculties are Arts, Agriculture, Education, Engineering, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Sciences, Law, Veterinary Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, communication, nursing, environmental science, pharmaceutical and Clinical Sciences.
