By peter.
The Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) has named Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi as its new substantive Vice Chancellor.
The decision was made at the Council’s 80th Extraordinary Meeting on Friday, as confirmed by acting Head of Information, Dr. Habib Yakoob.
Key Appointment Details
- Effective Date: February 10, 2026
- Tenure: 5 years (non-renewable)
Professor Fawehinmi currently serves as Vice Chancellor of Nigerian British University. His appointment ends a period of interim leadership following controversies surrounding the previous VC, Professor Aisha Maikudi.
Interim Leadership Extension
The Council also extended the tenure of Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, until February 10, 2026.
- Adamu was first appointed by the Federal Government on August 11, 2025.
About Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi
A Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology, Fawehinmi brings extensive academic and administrative experience:
Leadership Roles at University of Port Harcourt:
- Head of Anatomy Department (2005–2007; 2007–2009)
- Associate Dean (2010–2012)
- Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2012–2014)
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) – two terms (2016–2020)
Professional Contributions:
- Former Secretary-General, Nigerian Medical Association (Rivers State, 1999–2000)
- Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Anatomical Sciences
- President, Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (2014–2016)
Honors & Achievements:
- Fellow, Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland
- Fellow, Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria
- Winner of Federal Government Patent for the AMRG Anthropometry Chair
- Secured national and international research grants as Principal Investigator
With a strong track record in academia, administration, and innovation, Professor Fawehinmi is poised to lead Yakubu Gowon University into its next chapter.
