President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of new governing council members for the University of Abuja, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, on May 25, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen tertiary education governance.
The appointments follow the dissolution of the University of Abuja’s governing council in February 2025 and the controversial sacking of its Vice-Chancellor, Aisha Maikudi, amid disputes over her eligibility due to academic qualifications and tenure requirements. The new councils are tasked with overseeing administrative reforms, improving academic standards, and addressing financial irregularities in the institutions.
The University of Abuja’s council includes prominent academics and administrators, with a mandate to resolve ongoing leadership disputes and stabilize the institution, which has faced protests over Maikudi’s dismissal. UNN’s council, chaired by a respected former governor, aims to enhance research output and infrastructure, leveraging the university’s status as one of Nigeria’s oldest institutions. NAU’s council focuses on addressing staff welfare and expanding science and technology programs. Each council comprises a chairperson and members with expertise in education, law, and public administration, appointed for four-year terms under the Universities Autonomy Act.
The appointments have been broadly welcomed, though some stakeholders criticize the timing, noting that prolonged vacancies disrupted university operations. Critics also point to the need for greater transparency in the selection process to avoid political interference. The councils are expected to assume duties in June 2025, with Tinubu urging them to prioritize innovation and accountability. The move is part of broader reforms to reposition Nigeria’s universities amid challenges like underfunding, strikes, and global competitiveness. The success of these councils will be critical to restoring public confidence in the affected institutions.
