Tinubu appoints ex-UNILAG VC Ogundipe as NUC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as the new chairman of the governing board of the National Universities Commission (NUC). Professor Ogundipe, a distinguished figure in Nigerian academia, succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned after less than a year in office.

Professor Ogundipe, 66, is a professor of Botany with a specialization in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany, and ecological conservation. He previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022. His academic credentials include a PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos.

Currently, Professor Ogundipe holds the position of Pro-Chancellor at Redeemer's University in Ede, Osun State. He is recognized as a fellow of numerous professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London, and the Royal Society of Biology. His leadership experience also extends to his roles as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).

In his new capacity as NUC Chairman, Professor Ogundipe will be responsible for regulating Nigeria's university system. His mandate includes focusing on crucial areas such as funding, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring academic stability. Presidential spokesman Mr. Bayo Onanuga stated that President Tinubu expects Ogundipe to provide "visionary leadership" and uphold the credibility of the Nigerian university system, aligning with the administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda" by promoting quality, access, and integrity in education.

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President Tinubu expects Ogundipe to provide visionary leadership at the NUC and sustain the credibility of the Nigerian university system, in alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, by advancing quality, access, and integrity in the education sector.