In a significant development for higher education in Nigeria, the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University—formerly known as the University of Abuja—has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi as the institution's new substantive Vice-Chancellor. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the university's evolution, signaling a commitment to academic excellence, administrative innovation, and transformative leadership amid ongoing reforms in the nation's tertiary education sector.
The announcement was formally made during the 80th Extraordinary Meeting of the Governing Council, which convened on Friday, November 7, 2025. The session was chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, a seasoned legislator and education advocate whose leadership has been instrumental in steering the university through transitional phases. According to an official statement released by Dr. Habib Yakoob, the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Professor Fawehinmi's tenure will commence on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and span a single, non-renewable term of five years. This structured duration aligns with standard governance practices in Nigerian federal universities, ensuring stability while preventing entrenched leadership.
Professor Fawehinmi emerges as a distinguished figure in the academic landscape, bringing a robust blend of scholarly prowess and administrative acumen. Currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University in Asa, Abia State, he has already demonstrated his capacity to lead a burgeoning institution. His career trajectory is replete with progressive roles that underscore his readiness for this elevated position at Yakubu Gowon University.
Prior to his current role, Professor Fawehinmi spent significant years at the University of Port Harcourt, where he climbed the ladder of leadership with notable distinction. From 2005 to 2009, he headed the Department of Anatomy, laying foundational reforms in curriculum development and faculty mentorship. This was followed by his tenure as Associate Dean from 2010 to 2012, during which he oversaw interdisciplinary collaborations across the College of Health Sciences. Elevating further, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences between 2012 and 2014, a period marked by enhanced research funding and infrastructure upgrades. His crowning achievement at Port Harcourt came as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) from 2016 to 2020, where he spearheaded academic policy reforms, student enrollment strategies, and quality assurance mechanisms that boosted the university's national rankings.
Dr. Yakoob's statement eloquently highlighted the appointee's qualifications, noting that Professor Fawehinmi "brings with him a wealth of administrative experience, academic depth, and leadership vision that align seamlessly with the university’s ongoing transformation agenda." This agenda, initiated under previous administrations, focuses on digital integration, research commercialization, and global partnerships—areas where Fawehinmi's expertise is expected to yield tangible advancements.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Governing Council also approved an extension of the current Acting Vice-Chancellor's term. Professor Mathew Adamu, who was appointed to the interim role by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 11, 2025, will continue in his capacity until February 10, 2026. This extension reflects a prudent approach to institutional continuity, allowing Professor Adamu to complete ongoing projects while preparing the groundwork for the incoming leadership.
Beyond his administrative laurels, Professor Fawehinmi's contributions to scholarship are nothing short of exemplary. A renowned expert in Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology, he has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, spanning topics from human morphology to forensic applications of anthropometry. Additionally, he has produced 37 conference abstracts that have influenced global discourses in anatomical sciences. His mentorship record is equally impressive, having supervised more than 120 academic projects, including 15 Master's theses and 13 PhD/MD dissertations. These efforts have not only advanced knowledge but also nurtured the next generation of Nigerian scientists and medical professionals.
Professor Fawehinmi's professional accolades further solidify his stature. He is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI), a prestigious honor that recognizes his contributions to anthropological research on human variation and evolution. Closer to home, he holds Fellowship in the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (FAMedS), affirming his impact on specialized medical fields.
One of his most innovative achievements is the invention of the AMRG Anthropometry Chair for Dimensional Body Measurements. This device, designed for precise and ergonomic assessment of human body dimensions, has applications in ergonomics, sports science, and clinical diagnostics. The Federal Government of Nigeria granted it a patent, highlighting its practical utility and Fawehinmi's role in bridging theoretical anatomy with real-world solutions. This invention exemplifies how academic research can drive national development, particularly in health and technology sectors.
Fawehinmi's influence extends into professional organizations and editorial roles. He previously served as Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association's Rivers State chapter, advocating for physician welfare and policy reforms. As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Anatomical Sciences, he elevated the publication's standards, increasing its citation index and international visibility. From 2014 to 2016, he presided over the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria, organizing national conferences that fostered collaboration among anatomists and clinicians.
On the international stage, Professor Fawehinmi has participated in over 70 conferences and workshops, often as a resource person or keynote speaker. His engagements span continents: delivering lectures in Africa on indigenous anatomical variations, contributing to European symposia on biomedical ethics, presenting in the Middle East on forensic anthropology, and facilitating workshops in North America on advanced imaging techniques. These experiences have enriched his global perspective, equipping him to position Yakubu Gowon University as a hub for international academic exchanges.
The appointment comes at a time when Nigerian universities are grappling with challenges such as funding constraints, infrastructure deficits, and the need for alignment with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Professor Fawehinmi's vision, as inferred from his track record, emphasizes sustainable growth through research-driven initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive governance. His leadership at the Nigerian British University has already seen the introduction of cutting-edge programs in biomedical engineering and anthropology, models that could be adapted at Yakubu Gowon University.
Stakeholders within the university community have expressed optimism. Faculty members anticipate enhanced research grants and interdisciplinary centers, while students look forward to improved facilities and mentorship opportunities. The Governing Council's decision, made under Senator Tejuoso's stewardship, reflects a rigorous selection process that prioritized merit, experience, and alignment with institutional goals.
As Yakubu Gowon University—named in honor of Nigeria's former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, a symbol of unity and progress—prepares for this new chapter, Professor Fawehinmi's appointment is poised to catalyze its ascent among Africa's premier institutions. With his effective start date approaching, the university community eagerly awaits the implementation of his transformative strategies.
In summary, this leadership transition underscores the dynamic nature of Nigerian higher education. Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi's multifaceted expertise positions him uniquely to steer Yakubu Gowon University toward greater heights of academic and societal impact. The coming years will undoubtedly reveal the full extent of his contributions, building on a legacy of innovation and excellence.
