BEVERLY HILLS, April 08, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reconstitution of Governing Councils of 23 out of the 40 Federal universities in the country for the councils whose tenures have or would elapsed on April 9, 2017.

A statement issued by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, states that the appointment of the board which is a period of four years in the first instance is pursuant to the President’s powers under the laws establishing the federal universities in Nigeria.

The statement explained that Buhari, in making the appointments, took cognizance of the requirements for membership into governing councils, which include among others, a minimum of a University degree, high integrity, and commitment to educational development of the country.

Adamu added that consideration was also given to geo-political spread so as to reflect federal character and foster sense of belonging.

The affected universities and the chairmen of their councils are as follows:

1. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – AVM Muktar Mohammed

2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka – Chief Mike Olorunfemi

3. University of Lagos – Dr. Wale Babalakin

4. Federal University of Technology, Owerr (FUTO) – Prof John Ofem

5. University of Calabar – Sen. Nkechi Justina Nworgu

6. University of Ibadan – Joshua Waklek, mni

7. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Uni (ATBU), Bauchi – Amb. Niniola Nimota Akanbi

8. Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – Prof. Ibrahim Gambari

9. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) – Sen. J.K.N. Waku

10. Fed. Uni of Petroleum Res., Effurum (FUPRE) – Prof Shehu Abdullahi Zuru

11. Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna – Prof Femi Odekunle

12. Michael Okpara University of Agric, Umudike (MOUAU) – Engr. Bello Suleiman

13. Modibbo Adama University of Tech, Yola – M. Bukar Zarma

14. Nmandi Azikiwe University, Awka – Alhaji Aziz Bello

15. University of Abuja – Alhaji Sani Maikudi

16. Fed University of Agric, Abeokuta – Dr. Aboki Zhawa

17. Fed University of Agriculture, Makurdi – Prof Alkassum Abba

18. University of Benin – Alhaji Isah Ashiru

19. University of Ilorin – Dr. Jibril Oyekan

20. University of Jos – Prince Tony Momoh

21. University of Maiduguri – Prof. Biodun Adesanya

22. University of Uyo – Prof. A. C. Awujo

23. Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Rtd Hon. Justice Pearl Enajere

“Those not affected by the reconstitution are the Governing Councils of the 12 new Federal Universities in Lokoja, Otueke, Gashua, Dutsin-Ma, Oye-Ekiti, Lafia, Gusau, Wukari, Kashere, Birnin-Kebbi, Dutse and Ndifu-Alike-Ikwo which were inaugurated in March, 2016 as well as those of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife and University of Port Harcourt, which were re-constituted in January this year (2017).

“The tenure of the council of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) will elapse in January 2018.

“The new Governing Councils are to be inaugurated at the auditorium of the National Universities Commission, NUC, on a date to be announced soon,” the statement read.