By Charles Chijioke
Afrilensnews reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Ogundipe takes over from Professor Olufemi Aina, an emeritus professor who resigned from the position less than a year after his appointment. Aina was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2025, while members of the NUC governing board were inaugurated in November of the same year.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Professor Ogundipe brings decades of academic and administrative experience to the role.
The 66-year-old scholar served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos between 2017 and 2022 and is widely recognized for his contributions to botanical sciences. His areas of expertise include molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany, and ecological conservation.
The statement noted that Ogundipe holds a doctorate degree in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Lagos. He currently serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
“He is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London, and the Royal Society of Biology, London,” the statement said.
The presidency further stated that Ogundipe has previously served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).
As chairman of the NUC governing board, Ogundipe will help oversee policies and strategic direction for Nigeria’s university system, with emphasis on funding, academic stability, quality assurance, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
According to the statement, President Tinubu expects the new chairman to provide visionary leadership capable of strengthening the credibility of the nation’s higher education sector in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The appointment comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s university system, which continues to grapple with funding challenges, infrastructure deficits,
concerns over academic standards, and the need to improve international rankings. Observers believe Ogundipe’s extensive experience in university administration could influence ongoing reforms aimed at expanding access to quality tertiary education while preserving academic integrity.
His appointment is also expected to shape future policy discussions involving university accreditation, institutional governance, research development, and the broader modernization of Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Source: Channels Television.
