Centre Director Hails Fawehimi’s Appointment as UniAbuja VC

The Executive Director of the El-Mavericky Centre for Educational Research and Development, Sulayman Nafiu, has commended the appointment of Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehimi as the 8th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University), describing it as “a right step in the right direction.” The Governing Council had on Friday approved Fawehinmi’s appointment […]

The Executive Director of the El-Mavericky Centre for Educational Research and Development, Sulayman Nafiu, has commended the appointment of Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehimi as the 8th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University), describing it as “a right step in the right direction.”

The Governing Council had on Friday approved Fawehinmi’s appointment as the varsity’s substantive Vice Chancellor

In a statement on Saturday, Nafiu said Fawehimi’s emergence has brought an end to the series of crises that had rocked the institution in recent times.

He added that the transparent and credible process that produced the new Vice-Chancellor remains one of the fairest in the Nigerian university system.

According to him, the appointment reflects the integrity and commitment of the Governing Council under Senator Lanre Tejuoso, whose “doggedness, vision, and transparent leadership have restored confidence in the university’s administration.”

Nafiu also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Visitor to the University, for upholding fairness and due process, as well as the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, for his supportive role in ensuring transparency throughout the selection process.

“We commend President Tinubu for allowing merit to triumph over political considerations.

“We equally salute the Governing Council for its exemplary leadership.

“The emergence of Prof. Fawehimi marks a new dawn of stability, academic excellence, and renewed hope for UniAbuja,” the statement read.

He further expressed optimism that Fawehimi’s “wealth of experience, academic depth, and leadership acumen” would reposition the university as one of Nigeria’s foremost centers of learning and research.

Fawehimi is expected to assume office on February 10, 2025, succeeding the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Matthew Adamu, whose tenure ends on the same date in 2026.

Nafiu urged staff, students, and members of the host communities to support the new Vice-Chancellor, noting that “the university stands to benefit from his vast administrative experience, having previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Nigerian British University.”