Appointment of New Vice-Chancellor at University of Abuja
The eleventh Governing Council of the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, has made a significant decision regarding the leadership of the institution. The council has approved the appointment of Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university. This decision was announced during the 80th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on Friday, 7 November 2025, under the chairmanship of Senator Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso.
The appointment is set to take effect from Tuesday, 10 February 2026, and will last for a non-renewable tenure of five years. According to a statement released by the Acting Director, Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob, this move marks a new chapter for the university.
Professor Fawehinmi currently holds the position of pioneer Vice-Chancellor at the Nigerian British University, a private institution located in Asa, Abia State. His appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University comes after the council also decided to extend the tenure of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, until 10 February 2026. Adamu was initially appointed by the Federal Government on 11 August 2025, and the council’s decision was made following thorough deliberations during its recent meeting.
Academic Background and Professional Experience
Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi is a distinguished academic with expertise in Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology. His career spans several decades, marked by extensive experience in institutional administration. He has held various leadership roles, including two terms as Head of the Department of Anatomy (2005–2007; 2007–2009), Associate Dean (2010–2012), and Dean (2012–2014) within the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. Additionally, he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) from 2016 to 2020 at the University of Port Harcourt.
Fawehinmi has been actively involved in numerous statutory and ad hoc committees and boards, which have equipped him with the necessary skills to lead a dynamic academic community. His contributions to professional associations include serving as Secretary-General and Member of the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State, from 1999 to 2000. He also acted as Editor-in-Chief of theJournal of Anatomical Sciencesand President of the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria from 2014 to 2016.
Recognition and Contributions
Professor Fawehinmi has received numerous awards and recognitions for his academic and community service. He is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI) and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Specialities of Nigeria (FAMedS). His scholarly work includes over 100 articles published in reputable, peer-reviewed journals that are indexed in conventional academic search engines. He has also contributed 37 conference abstracts to his name.
His involvement in academic events has been extensive, with participation in and service as a resource person at 78 conferences, workshops, and training programs across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. In addition, he has supervised over 100 BSc projects, 15 MSc, and 13 PhD/MD dissertations and theses. He delivered the 111th inaugural lecture of the University of Port Harcourt in 2014, titled “Different Tailors for the Same People; Same Surgeon for Different People.”
Additional Content
In addition to his academic achievements, Professor Fawehinmi’s leadership style and commitment to education have earned him respect among peers and students alike. His appointment is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to the university, fostering growth and excellence in research and teaching.
As the university prepares for this transition, stakeholders are optimistic about the future direction of Yakubu Gowon University under the leadership of Professor Fawehinmi. His wealth of experience and dedication to academic excellence are seen as key assets that will drive the institution toward greater success.