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Professor Aisha Maikudi’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University has been cut short, just hours after she conducted the matriculation ceremony for new students. President Bola Tinubu relieved her of her duties, along with Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita, the institution’s Governing Council chair.¹

The decision was announced in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor to the President on Information and Strategy. According to Onanuga, “At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.”

Maikudi’s appointment had been met with opposition from some quarters, with 43 professors writing to President Tinubu to express their disapproval. They accused the governing council of breaching university laws to appoint Maikudi, whom they deemed unqualified for the position.

In the same statement, Onanuga announced the appointment of Professor Lar Patricia Manko as acting vice chancellor for a six-month term. However, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.

Additionally, President Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, effective immediately.

The statement also announced the appointment of Senator Lanre Tejuoso as the new Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Tejuoso, who is currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, who is currently the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

The changes are expected to bring about a new era of leadership and administration at Yakubu Gowon University. The university community is watching with keen interest as the new acting vice chancellor, Professor Lar Patricia Manko, takes over.

Professor Manko has a daunting task ahead of her as she seeks to stabilise the institution and restore confidence among students, staff, and stakeholders. Her six-month tenure will be closely monitored, and her performance will be evaluated to determine if she will be eligible to apply for the substantive vice chancellor position in the future.

The removal of Professor Maikudi and the dissolution of the governing council have also sparked debate about the role of the federal government in the management of universities. Some have argued that the government’s intervention is necessary to ensure accountability and good governance, while others have expressed concerns about the potential for political interference in the affairs of the university.

As the university community navigates this period of transition, one thing is clear: the future of Yakubu Gowon University hangs in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching consequences for the institution and its stakeholders.

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