President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Aisha Maikudi as Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja—now rebranded as Yakubu Gowon University—shortly after she presided over a matriculation ceremony.
The move comes amid longstanding controversy over her appointment, with some lecturers alleging it was illegitimate.
Tinubu has since appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as the acting VC for six months, with no option to apply for the permanent role when it becomes available.
In another significant change, President Tinubu also replaced Polycarp Emeka Chigbu as Acting VC at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam, effective immediately.
The reshuffle extends to other federal universities as well. For instance, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo now heads UNN’s Pro-Chancellor position. Additionally, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi has been tapped to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja, and Senator Sani Stores has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
Meanwhile, Senator Lanre Tejuoso has taken over as Pro-Chancellor at Yakubu Gowon University, with Senator Joy Emordi moving to Makurdi.
These sweeping leadership changes highlight the administration’s commitment to reforming federal university governance and ensuring accountability across the sector.
