By Mahdi Waziri Isa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reconstituted the governing councils of three major federal universities – the University of Abuja, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU). This decision comes several months after the controversial dissolution of the University of Abuja’s governing council and removal of its vice-chancellor, Prof. Aisha Maikudi.
According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the newly appointed council members for the University of Abuja include Prof. Rosemary Iriowen Egonmwan from the South-South region, Dr. Adedeji Adefuye from the South-West, Prof. Sarki Abba Abdulkadir representing the North-West, and Prof. Aminu Mohammed Dukku from the North-East.
The President also approved appointments to fill vacancies in the governing councils of two other prominent institutions. For the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the new members are Rt. Hon. Barr. Ogbonna Eugene Odo from the South-East and Muhammad Inuwa Tahir from the North-West. Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s council will welcome Dr. Nkem Okeke and Ofoke Chukwuma Charles Ugbala from the South-East, Dame Amina Patrick Yakowa from the North-West, and Nojeeb Oriola Agunbiade representing the South-West.
These appointments demonstrate a careful consideration of regional representation while aiming to strengthen academic governance across Nigeria’s federal university system. The move follows earlier administrative restructuring efforts within the tertiary education sector. While no official timeline has been provided for the new councils to commence work, the appointments are expected to usher in a new phase of leadership for these institutions.