By Habeeb Ibrahim
This week, President Bola Tinubu appointed 555 individuals to serve as Pro-chancellors/Chairmen and members of Governing Boards of 111 federal universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education.
Some prominent Nigerians made the list. Leading the pack is Prof. Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto State. Jega, a renowned academic and former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the university.
Another notable appointee is Isa Yuguda, former Governor of Bauchi State, who has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of National Open University of Nigeria. Yuguda, a seasoned politician and administrator, is expected to bring his leadership skills to the fore in his new role.
Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, a respected legal luminary and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State. Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is expected to bring his legal expertise and administrative acumen to the university.
Other appointees include Air Cdre. Emmanuel Jekada, a seasoned military officer and administrator, who has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State; Bala Ngalari, a former Governor of Adamawa State, who has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of University of Calabar, Cross River State; and Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, a seasoned politician and lawyer, who has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Bayero University, Kano, Kano State.
Other notable appointees include Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, a respected legal luminary and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association; Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State; Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, a former Defence Minister; and Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, a former Governor of Zamfara State.
The appointees also include Issa Obalowu Aremu, a trade union activist and labor leader; Grace Bent, a former Senator; Peter Okebukola, a renowned academic and researcher; and Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, a respected legal luminary and arbitrator.
Here is the list of 20 prominent Nigerians who were appointed.
1. Prof. Attahiru Jega – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto State.
2. Isa Yuguda – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of National Open University of Nigeria.
3. Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.
4. Air Cdre. Emmanuel Jekada – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State.
5. Bala Ngalari – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of University of Calabar, Cross River State.
6. Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Bayero University, Kano, Kano State.
7. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
8. Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State.
9. Alhaji Yayale Ahmed – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
10. Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi – Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal University in Jos, Plateau State.
11. Issa Obalowu Aremu – Member of the Governing Board of Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.
12. Sen. Grace Bent – Member of the Governing Board of Federal Polytechnic N’yak, Plateau State.
13. Peter Okebukola – Member of the Governing Board of University of Port Harcourt, PH, Rivers State.
14. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN – Member of the Governing Board of University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
15. Sen. Joy Emodi – Member of the Governing Board of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State.
16. Sen.Abba Aji – Chairman of the Governing Board of Federal College of Education ( Technical), Potiskum, Yobe state
17. Prof. Jibrilla Amin – Chairman of the Governing Board of University of Abuja, FCT.
18. Prof. Usman Musa – Member of the Governing Board of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto State.
19. Engr. Bawuro Bapetel – Member of the Governing Board of National Open University of Nigeria.
20. Prof. S. E. Ogbeide – Member of the Governing Board of University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.
