By DAYO ADESULU
President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The appointment was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Professor Ogundipe takes over from Olufemi Raphael Aina, who stepped down from the position less than a year after assuming office.
According to the Presidency, the appointment forms part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s university system by enhancing funding, promoting global competitiveness, and ensuring academic stability across tertiary institutions.
The statement noted that the new NUC chairman is expected to provide strategic leadership for the commission while advancing quality education, improving access to higher learning, and preserving the integrity of the nation’s university sector.
“President Tinubu expects Professor Ogundipe to provide visionary leadership at the National Universities Commission and sustain the credibility of the Nigerian university system in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement said.
Distinguished Academic Career
Professor Ogundipe, a renowned botanist, served as Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022.
His areas of expertise include molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany, and ecological conservation.
The 66-year-old scholar earned a doctorate degree in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Lagos.
He currently serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, located in Ede, Osun State.
Contributions to Science and Education
Professor Ogundipe is a fellow of several prestigious professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London, and the Royal Society of Biology.
Throughout his career, he has held key leadership positions, including serving as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council.
His appointment comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s higher education sector, as stakeholders continue to advocate reforms aimed at improving university standards, expanding access to education, and strengthening institutional governance nationwide.
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