THE Federal Government has appointed Professor Mathew Adamu as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now officially renamed Yakubu Gowon University.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Roseline Adakayi, the appointment takes effect from Monday, 11 August 2025, for an initial three-month tenure.
Professor Adamu succeeds Professor Patricia Manko Lar, who had served in the same capacity for six months since February 2025.
Adakayi praised Prof. Lar for providing “purposeful leadership” and fostering stability in both academic and administrative operations during her tenure, as well as initiating the process for selecting a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The new Acting VC is tasked with supporting the Governing Council, chaired by Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, to conclude the appointment process for a substantive Vice-Chancellor in accordance with statutory procedures.
A distinguished veterinary scholar, Prof. Adamu earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1998 and a Master’s in 2006 from the University of Maiduguri, before completing his PhD in Veterinary Surgery at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2012.
He is a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria and has built a 27-year career in teaching, research, extension services, and academic administration.
His career highlights include serving as Head of Department, Deputy Dean, Director of Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University).
Prof. Adamu has authored over 50 publications, supervised numerous postgraduate students, and holds a South African patent for an “Anthelmintic Medicament.”
He has been involved in accreditation work for the NUC and NBTE, as well as curriculum development in veterinary medicine.
Internationally, his collaborations have taken him to the United States, Spain, South Africa, and several African countries. He has twice served as Acting Vice-Chancellor during transition periods at his former institution.
The University community has expressed best wishes to Prof. Adamu as he leads the institution through its latest leadership transition.
