Tinubu Appoints New Governing Councils for UNIABUJA, UNN, NAU
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the go-ahead for the selection of new individuals to serve on the governing councils of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU).
This announcement was provided by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
The former governing council at UNIABUJA was dismissed in February 2025, along with the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Maikudi, due to questions concerning her eligibility.
“President Bola Tinubu has appointed new members for the governing councils of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU).”
“In February, President Tinubu dissolved the Governing Council of UNIABUJA and sacked the university’s vice-chancellor, Aisha Maikudi, amid controversy over her eligibility,” the source read in part.
The newly appointed members of the governing councils are expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of leadership and academic development in the respective universities.
Their roles are part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to reform the tertiary education sector and promote excellence across the nation’s universities.
The complete list of appointees includes:
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
Prof. Rosemary Egonmwan—South South Dr. Adedeji Adefuye—South West Prof. Sarki Abdulkadir – North West Prof. Aminu Dukku – North East
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Barr. Ogbonna Odo – South East Muhammad Tahir – North West
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU)
Dr. Nkem Okeke – South East Ofoke Ugbala – South East Dame Amina Yakowa – North West Nojeeb Agunbiade – South West
Following the previous council’s dismissal, the president selected fresh representatives to steer the federal universities toward better administration and leadership.
This action is intended to enhance transparency and improve overall institutional performance.
In March, President Bola Tinubu also named Senator Binta Garba as the Pro-Chancellor, alongside the Governing Council and key officials of the newly formed Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, as stated by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Earlier in August 2024, the administration approved the installation of 65 new governing council members for 13 different federal universities and higher institutions throughout the country.
These newly formed councils have the responsibility of providing strong leadership, boosting accountability, and strengthening management efficiency within their respective institutions.
This measure is part of a larger plan to stabilize university governance and elevate the quality of higher education in Nigeria.
