UNIABUJA Unveils New Leadership, Reconstitutes Committees to Drive Academic, Research Growth

The University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, has announced a sweeping reconstitution of its academic leadership and committee structure, appointing directors, deputy directors, and key administrative officers across its centres and institutes.

The development, contained in an official release, outlines a comprehensive governance framework aimed at strengthening academic delivery, institutional efficiency, and research coordination.

41 Centres Get New Leadership
A total of 41 academic centres and institutes were listed, each now headed by designated directors and deputy directors. Strategic units affected include the Academic Planning Unit, Quality Assurance and SERVICOM Unit, General Studies Unit, and the Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education.

Also featured are specialized centres such as the Abuja Leadership Centre, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Technology, and the Centre for Petroleum Studies and Energy Research—highlighting the university’s growing emphasis on leadership, innovation, and energy development.

Among those appointed as directors are Professors Otaki Alanana, Paul Chima, Isah Nurudeen Mohammed, Sylvanus Uqo, and Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman, alongside several deputy directors across disciplines.

Focus on Research, Policy and Development
The restructuring also brings attention to newly expanded and specialized centres, including the Centre for Gender, Security and Youth Advancement, Centre for Migration Studies, Centre for Sustainable Development, Centre for Diabetes Studies, and the Centre for Community Health and Systems Support.

These units are expected to deepen interdisciplinary research and enhance the university’s engagement with national and global policy issues.

Student Affairs Leadership Announced
In the area of student administration, Prof. Julius Ajah has been appointed Dean of Student Affairs. He will be supported by Dr. Oluwa Adeipe Aqbonu and Dr. Madina Umar as Deputy Deans.

Committees Reconstituted for Institutional Oversight
As part of efforts to improve governance, the university also constituted several standing and ad hoc committees.

Key among them are:
Senate Business Committee (Chair: Prof. Dagwa Ishaya)
Hostel Management Committee (Chair: Prof. Margret Bahal)
Campus Environmental Sanitation and Beautification Committee (Chair: Prof. Rafatu Abdulhamid)
5-Year Strategic Plan Committee (Chair: Prof. Clement Alawa)
Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (Chair: Prof. Amos Gadzama)

Mock Accreditation and Resource Verification Committee (Chair: Prof. Wesley Nafarnda)
Membership of the committees cuts across senior academic and administrative staff, with provisions for secretarial support by the Registrar.

A New Administrative Direction
University officials say the restructuring signals a renewed push to consolidate academic standards, expand research output, and enhance service delivery across campuses.

The move is also seen as aligning with broader national objectives on higher education reform, competitiveness, and institutional excellence.