President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission.
Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned less than one year after his appointment, according to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Presidency said Ogundipe will provide leadership for the university regulatory body, with attention on funding, academic stability, quality education and improving the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
President Tinubu said the appointment is part of efforts to strengthen quality, access and integrity in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ogundipe served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022. A professor of botany, his academic interests include molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany and environmental conservation.
He holds a PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos. The 66-year-old academic currently serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University.
Reactions
“A former university vice-chancellor should understand the challenges facing Nigerian universities. The expectations are high.”
“Funding and lecturers’ welfare should be the first priority. Universities cannot compete globally without proper support.”
“Congratulations to Professor Ogundipe. May his appointment bring real improvement to the education sector.”
“NUC needs to focus on quality, not just approving new universities every year.”
“Nigerian students are waiting to see better facilities, stable academic calendars and improved standards.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
