Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been removed as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now officially known as Yakubu Gowon University, just hours after presiding over the institution’s matriculation ceremony.
President Bola Tinubu also dissolved the university’s governing council, led by Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd).
The decision was announced in a statement on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Prof. Maikudi’s short-lived tenure less than six weeks had been marred by controversy.
Last month, 43 professors petitioned President Tinubu, opposing her appointment.
They alleged that the governing council had bypassed university regulations to impose an unqualified candidate on the institution.
In place of Maikudi, the President appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month term.
The statement clarified that Manko would not be eligible to contest for the substantive VC position when it becomes available.
Further restructuring at federal universities was also announced.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, while Senator Joy Emordi will replace him in Makurdi.
Additionally, President Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his role as Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ahead of his tenure’s scheduled end on February 14.
