By Ihechi Enyinnaya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University. The President also dissolved the university’s entire governing council.
This decision follows several petitions and concerns regarding Maikudi’s appointment, with many professors at the institution questioning her qualifications for the role. Critics allege that the governing council, led by Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd), gave her an unfair advantage over more qualified candidates. Maikudi’s appointment was announced on December 31, 2024.
To replace Maikudi, President Tinubu has appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice-Chancellor position once it becomes available, according to a statement from the presidency.
In addition, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently serving as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.
The President has also ordered the immediate dismissal of Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure concludes on February 14. Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been named his successor for a six-month term, and he too will not be eligible to apply for the permanent role.