Major Shake-Up in Federal Universities
In a decisive move to revamp governance in Nigerian universities, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja) and dissolved the institution’s governing council.
This decision comes after months of controversy surrounding Maikudi’s appointment, with allegations of an unfair selection process and irregularities in council formation. The president’s action is part of a broader education sector reform, affecting other key institutions.
Why Was Aisha Maikudi Removed?
Maikudi, who assumed office on January 1, 2025, faced intense criticism from stakeholders in academia. Reports indicate that:
- The appointment process allegedly lacked transparency.
- The governing council was accused of favoritism, allegedly rejecting over 87 applications to promote a preferred candidate.
- The selection criteria for VC were allegedly altered, allowing candidates with less than 10 years of professorial experience to apply.
- A petition from university professors led to an official review by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Following these controversies, Tinubu intervened by dismissing Maikudi and appointing Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months.
Other Universities Affected in the Leadership Overhaul
Beyond Yakubu Gowon University, several other federal institutions have been impacted:
- University of Agriculture, Makurdi: Lanre Tejuoso appointed Pro-Chancellor.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): Polycarp Emeka Chigbu removed as Acting VC, replaced by Oguejiofu Ujam (6-month tenure).
- University of Uyo: Ike Nwachukwu reassigned as Pro-Chancellor.
- Federal University of Lokoja: Olubunmi Kayode Ojo replaces Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi as Pro-Chancellor.
- Alvan Ikoku University of Education: Joy Emordi replaced by Sani Stores as Pro-Chancellor.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka: Olugbenga Kukoyi appointed Pro-Chancellor.
Tinubu’s Vision for Higher Education
The restructuring aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda to:
- Restore transparency in academic leadership appointments.
- Eliminate favoritism in university governance.
- Ensure merit-based selection processes for VCs and governing councils.
- Strengthen accountability and institutional integrity in Nigerian universities.
What’s Next?
With the six-month interim leadership period, the Nigerian government is expected to introduce reforms in university administration. Experts anticipate that new policies on VC selection, council formation, and academic leadership will emerge.
This landmark decision sets a precedent for higher education governance in Nigeria. As the transition unfolds, students, faculty, and stakeholders await the impact of these reforms on the future of Nigeria’s academic institutions.
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For full details, read the original report on TheCable.
