President Tinubu makes fresh appointments in two federal varsities

President Bola Tinubu has appointed new members to the Governing Council and Principal Officers for the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. The President also named a new Pro-Chancellor for the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, announced that Senator Binta Masi Garba has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council for the university in Iyin Ekiti. Senator Garba is a well-known politician, businesswoman, and administrator. She represented the Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 to 2019 and previously served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011.

Other members of the Governing Council include Prof. Joseph Olurotimi Sanya, Mr. Efe Emefienin Emmanuel, Dr. Joyce Ogunyemi, and Alhaji Dahiru Abdullahi Ruma. The newly appointed Principal Officers for the university are Prof. James Olugbenga Aribisala as Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Oluwole Olalere Dada as Registrar, Mrs. Adeniyi Rachael Ajayi as Bursar, and Prof. Isaac Oluwadare Busayo as Librarian.

President Tinubu praised Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele for his efforts in supporting the establishment of the new university in Iyin Ekiti. He encouraged all the appointees to use their experience and dedication to help the university achieve academic excellence and promote innovative research and development.

The university is set to admit its first group of students in September 2025.

Additionally, President Tinubu has appointed Prof. Muhammed Salihu Audu as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board for the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, replacing Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami.

Professor Audu is an accomplished academic and administrator, with a strong background in Nigeria’s university system. He is currently a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Jos and previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he helped bring about important changes in both academics and infrastructure.