President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved new appointments in the education sector, naming three key figures to lead major federal universities. The announcement was made through a statement issued by his media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Among the appointees is Engineer Abdurrazaq Abubakar Nakore, who will now serve as the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education in Kano. Nakore, a respected Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, previously worked as the executive secretary of the Jigawa State Rural Electricity Board. His appointment is expected to bring technical and administrative expertise into the running of the institution.
The president also approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Tukur Kodage as the vice chancellor of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano. Professor Kodage is an experienced academic and educationist whose career has been tied to the growth of higher learning in the region. His role will span a five-year tenure, during which he is expected to steer the university toward academic excellence.
In Kaduna state, Professor Yahaya Isa Bunkure has been named the new vice chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria. Bunkure is a well-known scholar in the field of science education and currently serves as the vice chancellor of Saadatu Rimi University of Education, Kano. His move to Zaria marks another phase of leadership for him in strengthening teacher education and advancing academic standards in northern Nigeria.
The Federal University of Education, Zaria, alongside the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano, were among four colleges of education recently upgraded to universities between 2022 and 2023. With these appointments, President Tinubu is expected to consolidate reforms in the education sector as part of his administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
In line with existing laws guiding federal universities, the pro-chancellor will serve for four years, while each vice chancellor will hold office for five years. These fresh appointments also highlight Tinubu’s effort to strengthen governance in higher institutions by bringing in experienced professionals and academics.
This development follows other recent changes in government agencies. Only weeks ago, President Tinubu ordered the recall of Salihu Abdullahi Dembos as the director-general of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), as well as Ayo Adewuyi, who was reinstated to complete his term as executive director of news. These moves reflect a wider reshuffle aimed at aligning key institutions with the president’s vision for education, media, and national development.
The list of new appointments is as follows:
– Abdurrazaq Abubakar Nakore as pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.
– Professor Abdullahi Tukur Kodage as vice chancellor of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.
– Professor Yahaya Isa Bunkure as vice chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna state.
Education stakeholders and Nigerians in general will be watching closely to see how these leaders deliver on their new responsibilities, particularly at a time when the sector faces challenges such as inadequate funding, infrastructure gaps, and the need to improve teacher training across the country.
Do you think these appointments will bring positive change to Nigeria’s universities? Share your views with us, and stay connected for more updates on education and governance in Nigeria.
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