President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of new governing council members for three top federal universities: the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka.
The appointments were announced on Tuesday, May 27, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. This move comes as part of an ongoing effort to reform leadership in federal universities and ensure proper governance in the higher education sector.
In February 2025, Tinubu had dissolved the governing council of UNIABUJA and removed Vice-Chancellor Aisha Maikudi following controversy over her appointment and eligibility. The new council appointments are seen as part of the administration’s effort to restore order and credibility in the university’s leadership.
The new governing council members for UNIABUJA are:
– Prof. Rosemary Iriowen Egonmwan – South South
– Dr. Adedeji Adefuye – South West
– Prof. Sarki Abba Abdulkadir – North West
– Prof. Aminu Mohammed Dukku – North East
-For the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the new members are:**
– Rt. Hon. Barr. Ogbonna Eugene Odo – South East
– Muhammad Inuwa Tahir, mni – North West
At Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, the following members were appointed:
– Dr. Nkem Okeke – South East
– Ofoke Chukwuma Charles Ugbala – South East
– Dame Amina Patrick Yakowa – North West
– Nojeeb Oriola Agunbiade – South West
The governing councils of federal universities play a crucial role in overseeing the institutions’ policies, budget, and overall strategic direction. The newly appointed members are drawn from different parts of the country, reflecting the federal character principle aimed at promoting national unity.
These appointments are expected to bring new energy and focus to the administration of the universities, especially in tackling issues around quality education, infrastructure, and accountability.
President Tinubu’s administration has emphasized education reform as one of its priorities, with a focus on improving standards in federal institutions and ensuring transparent leadership.
