.As CONECDA, PIDAN urge President to appoint competent officials for NCDC
Daniel Dauda, Jos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, the changes are with immediate effect.
At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.
In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.
Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.
President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
.As CONECDA, PIDAN urge President to appoint competent officials for NCDC
Meanwhile, Stakeholders under the umbrella body of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Communities Development Association (CONECDA) and Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Native (PIDAN) have appealed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to ensure justice and fairness in the appointment of officials to run the affairs of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).
CONECDA and PIDAN stated that the selection of persons with a good track record to spearhead the commission will inject development towards the attainment of the set objectives of the commission.
Recently, Tinubu assented a bill establishing the North Central Development Commission.
The development which PIDAN and CONECDA said marked a significant milestone in the annals of Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone as the region suffered decades of marginalization.
A statement jointly signed by the CONECDA national president, Paul Joshua Dekete, and the national youths coordinator, Comrade Peter Abin Bahu, made available to Daily Champion in Jos on Thursday, acknowledged the bill as ‘a dream come true.’
It read, “this development is highly commendable, as the new Commission will see to the improvement and speedy development of the North Central region of the country which has suffered neglect over the years in the areas of infrastructure, human capital development and our environment.
“We appreciate the National Assembly for passing the bill some months back, and all stakeholders who rallied round to support the bill leading to its assent on Tuesday 5th February,2025 by the President.
“On our part as the youth wing of the sociocultural organization of the ethic Autochthons in the region, we want to assure you that we shall continue to support policies that are geared towards the growth and development of our people, the region and the entire country at all time your Excellency.
In a related development, a statement by PIDAN secretary, Danjuma Dickson Auta confirmed PIDAN’s belief that as the commission takes off, the people of the region will surely get a sense of relief as the commission is meant to oversee the development and growth of the North Central Region.
According to Auta, “the commission will focus on promoting economic empowerment and reducing poverty in the region. We also believe that the commission will bring about massive infrastructural development in the region by providing critical infrastructures, including roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities.
“PIDAN also wishes to place on record its appreciation to members of the National Assembly Caucus from Plateau State under the leadership of Sen. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong and their counterparts from the North Central States and other states, who fought gallantly by putting aside party differences to ensure that the Commission became a reality.
“PIDAN appreciates the co-sponsor of the bill, former Senator Istifanus D. Gyang and minority leader, Senator Abba Moro.
“The establishment of the North Central Commission is a great testimony to the memory of Senator J.T. Useni who had also fought for its establishment in the 8th Senate.
“As PIDAN awaits the constitution of the management team for the Commission, we urge Mr. president to ensure that justice, equity and fairness are observed.”
