by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, has been appointed as the Alternate Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities.
Prof. Tanko’s emergence follows his nomination by members of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, marking a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his dedication to advancing Higher Education in Nigeria.
His new role will be critical in steering both internal and external engagements of the Committee, ensuring that it remains a powerful voice in the landscape of the Nigerian Academia.
His appointment was formally conveyed through a correspondence from Professor Yakubu A. Ochefu, who is Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), while highlighting the Vice-Chancellor’s responsibilities.
In his new capacity, Prof Tanko Ishaya will support the substantive Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, Professor Sagir Abbas, Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the Committee as a member of the CVCNU Executive Board.
The composition of the new CVCNU Board includes some of Professor Ishaya’s distinguished colleagues, with Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, now assuming the role of Chairman representing Private Universities, and Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, Alternate Chairman. Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello will serve as the Chairman representing State Universities, while the Alternate Chairman will be nominated by the State Universities.
Professor Tanko Ishaya’s appointment comes at a transformative time for Nigeria’s Federal Universities which, though challenging should provide unique opportunities for the institutions to influence and fortify the nation’s academic sector.
The appointment, which took effect from 1st November, 2024, is for a term of two years and reflects the trust and confidence Professor Ishaya’s colleagues have vested in his outstanding expertise and leadership skills, thereby allowing him to leverage on his vast experience to foster collaboration and innovation amongst his peers and stakeholders.
In a related development, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) has appointed Professor Andrew Haruna, Vice-President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters as its new Secretary-General.
Haruna will also double as Secretary-General of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities, while Professor Andrew Haruna is a Professor of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages from the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, Faculty of Arts, University of Jos.
An accomplished scholar and administrator, Professor Haruna is a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, and is currently the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State. He takes over from Professor Yakubu Ochefu, who recently completed his five-year tenure.