FG Renames UniAbuja as Yakubu Gowon University, Replaces Governing Councils of Federal Universities

The Nigerian Federal Government has announced the dissolution of several governing councils and the reassignment of key officials in some federal universities. This was revealed in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on February 6, 2025.

The government dissolved the governing council of the University of Abuja and renamed the institution Yakubu Gowon University. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of the university.

Additionally, Prof. Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months. The statement noted that she would not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice-Chancellor position when advertised. Prof. Maikudi has been removed from his role as Vice-Chancellor.

At University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Engr. Akin Ojo, formerly the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, has been reassigned as the Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, previously Pro-Chancellor at UNN, has been moved to the University of Uyo in the same capacity.

Prof. Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been named Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, stipulating that he will not be eligible for the substantive role when advertised. This appointment follows the expiration of the current Acting Vice-Chancellor’s term on February 14, 2025.

At Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Senator Sani Stores appointed the new Pro-Chancellor. While in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi takes over as Pro-Chancellor, and at the Federal University of Lokoja, Prof. Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi has been named Pro-Chancellor.

Recall that in November 2024, the Federal government dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, and removed its newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, as well as the Registrar, Mrs Rosemary Nwokike.

The presidency, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, and five other council members, including Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin (retd.), were also dismissed.

The decision followed reports that the Governing Council illegally appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor without adhering to due process.

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