President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of the University of Abuja and sacked the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Maikudi.
Tinubu announced the sack in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Recall in December, the council, chaired by Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Kaita, oversaw the recruitment process for a new vice-chancellor, with Professor Maikudi emerging as the selected candidate.
However, the selection process was marred by controversy, as some members of the Joint Senate and Council Selection Board (JCSSB) accused Kaita of attempting to impose Maikudi’s appointment.
Some members of the university’s senate and governing council had alleged that the selection process was manipulated in her favor, a claim denied by the council.
According to the statement, Tinubu has appointed Professor Lanre Tejuoso as the new Pro-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, while Professor Patricia Manko has been named Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. The President also announced the appointment of new councils in other Nigerian universities.
Tinubu emphasised that the changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
“The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” he said.
In related developments, Tinubu also announced the appointment of Joy Emordi as the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, while Professor Oguejiofu Ujam has been named Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The University of Abuja, which is now officially named Yakubu Gowon University, had been embroiled in debates over Maikudi’s appointment. Critics argued that the selection process violated established guidelines, raising questions about the transparency of the university’s leadership change.
In response, the Federal Government stressed that Manko’s appointment is only temporary, with the clear indication that she will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position once it becomes vacant.
