Yakubu Gowon University Appoints New Acting Vice-Chancellor As Leadership Transition Enters Final Phase

Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Abuja

The Federal Government has appointed Professor Mathew Adamu as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, with effect from Monday, August 11, 2025.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Roseline Adakayi, who confirmed that the appointment will run for three months. Professor Adamu takes over from Professor Patricia Manko Lar, whose six-month interim tenure began in February 2025.

During her stewardship, Professor Lar was commended for providing what the Governing Council described as “purposeful leadership,” ensuring academic and administrative stability, and initiating the process for selecting a substantive Vice-Chancellor. The Governing Council, led by Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, is now expected to conclude that process under Adamu’s watch.

Yakubu Gowon University—formerly the University of Abuja—was renamed earlier this year in honour of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd). Established in 1988, the institution has navigated challenges such as infrastructure deficits, academic staff strikes, and administrative shake-ups. Recent years have, however, seen expanded faculties, improved research output, and stronger partnerships with local and international institutions.

The university community expressed gratitude to Professor Lar for her service and voiced optimism that her reforms will be sustained.

A seasoned veterinary scholar, Professor Adamu earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1998 and an MSc in 2006 from the University of Maiduguri, before obtaining a PhD in Veterinary Surgery from the University of Pretoria in 2012. A Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria, he was promoted to full professor in 2019, specialising in Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology.

With over 27 years of experience spanning teaching, research, veterinary practice, and academic leadership, Professor Adamu is expected to leverage his expertise to maintain stability and guide the university through the conclusion of its leadership transition.