Wigwe University Names Justice Augie as Pro-Chancellor
Wigwe University has officially appointed retired Justice Amina Augie, a former Justice of the Supreme Court, to serve as its new Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council.
Additionally, the university appointed Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi to the position of substantive Vice-Chancellor.
This announcement was made by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, in a statement released on Thursday, February 19, 2025.
Professor Ajogwu stated that these appointments demonstrate the university’s commitment to “academic excellence, leadership, and innovation.”
Justice Augie takes over from Professor Julius Okojie, who previously held the role of Pro-Chancellor. Justice Augie brings with her several decades of professional experience, including her time as a Justice of the Supreme Court before her retirement.
The statement further explained that the accomplished jurist earned her law degree from the University of Ife in 1977, and she was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. Later, she obtained a Master of Laws degree in Criminology from the University of Lagos.
Justice Augie began her professional journey in academia, teaching at Ahmadu Bello University as well as the Nigerian Law School before transitioning into the judiciary.
Her judicial career included serving as a chief magistrate in Sokoto, before her appointment as a High Court judge in 1992.
In 2002, she was promoted to the Court of Appeal, where she served for 14 years until her elevation to the Supreme Court in 2016.
The board commended Justice Augie’s “exceptional leadership, integrity, and wealth of experience,” adding that she would play an important part in shaping the institution’s future direction.
Professor Al-Akaidi’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor follows his previous service as acting VC, Dean of the College of Science and Computing, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for research and innovation.
He holds a PhD in Optical and Communications Engineering from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.
The statement referred to Professor Al-Akaidi as an experienced academic who has led educational advancements in blended and online learning across both the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
It also noted that the incoming Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University has supervised more than 45 PhD students and has authored over 300 papers published in international academic journals.
According to the university’s board, Professor Al-Akaidi’s appointment represents “a new chapter in the university’s journey to fostering a culture of academic rigour, scientific discovery, and entrepreneurial spirit.”
