President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reshaped the leadership structure of several Nigerian universities with new appointments intended to strengthen institutional governance and improve academic standards.
The President approved the appointment of Chisom Obih to the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, following the passing of a previous member.
Also on the list is renowned journalism scholar, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, who will now serve on the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Prof. Akinfeleye, an influential figure in Nigeria’s media and academic sectors, previously headed the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos. He is also the Chairman of the Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography at UNILAG, overseeing its radio and television stations.
“Formerly a member of the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja, Akinfeleye replaces Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, who was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Federal University of Transport, Daura, Katsina State,” the statement clarified.
Tinubu also appointed Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State. Supporting him will be Hamisu Yusuf Yelwa as Registrar, Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as Bursar, and Dr. Shehu Aminu Liman as Librarian.
Prof. Yakasai, a retired Army Colonel, currently serves as Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University, Kano, and chairs the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria. He obtained his MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and furthered his studies in the UK with a European Economic Commission scholarship, gaining fellowship at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
He also holds a Master’s degree in Medical Education from the University of Winchester and has earned fellowships in the USA, including with the International College of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. His leadership experience includes serving as Director-General of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board.