President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of new members into the governing councils of 36 federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.
The announcement, made in a statement by the Presidency on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, said the appointments take immediate effect. The move is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to reposition the education sector and ensure effective management of federal institutions.
The new council members come from various states and professional backgrounds. Some of the notable appointments include Hon. Chidi Nwogu (Imo) for the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja; Dr. Folashade Mulikat Kareem (Kwara) for the University of Jos; and Dipe Olusina Adeniyi (Lagos) for the Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom.
Others are Mr. Babatunde Usman Jinadu (Lagos) at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and Hon. Babatunde Olokun (Ogun) at the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe. Hon. Isa Song (Adamawa) and Hon. Bernard Miko (Rivers) were appointed to the Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State.
In the polytechnic category, appointees include Dr. Francis Ogbise (Bayelsa) at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra, and Hon. Yusuf Bello Mai Adua (Sokoto) at Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo, Gombe. Colleges of education also saw fresh appointments such as Hon. Abdulkadir Usman Global (Kaduna) for the Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu, Ebonyi, and Hon. Goodluck Opiah (Imo) at the Federal College of Education, Odugbo, Benue.
This announcement comes just weeks after the federal government dissolved the previous councils across institutions, citing the need for restructuring and improved governance.
The appointments are expected to bring a fresh sense of direction and leadership to Nigeria’s higher education sector, which continues to face challenges including funding, infrastructure, and staff welfare. Stakeholders are hopeful that the new council members will work closely with the heads of institutions to drive positive change.
