By Derick Peretengboro

Four major Nigerian public universities have stepped up efforts to appoint new vice-chancellors as the tenures of their current academic heads approach expiration. The institutions involved are the University of Ibadan (UI), Lagos State University (LASU), the University of Jos (UNIJOS), and Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.

At the University of Ibadan, preparations are underway to select the institution’s 14th Vice-Chancellor ahead of the end of Professor Kayode Adebowale’s tenure on November 1, 2026. Although the application window has closed, the university’s search committee is continuing consultations as the selection process progresses. The contest is expected to attract significant interest, considering the university’s history of highly competitive leadership transitions.

Lagos State University has also commenced the search for its 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor as Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello prepares to complete her tenure. The university invited qualified professors with proven academic and administrative records to apply.

The recruitment exercise has, however, generated debate over the eligibility requirements. While some stakeholders argue that candidates should have at least 10 years of experience as professors, the university maintains that its regulations only require applicants to be professors of “several years’ standing.” Registrar Emmanuel Fanu explained that the approved advertisement complies with the institution’s governing law and contains no provision specifying a minimum of 10 years in the professorial rank.

At Abia State University, the Governing Council has inaugurated a search committee to identify suitable candidates for the office of Vice-Chancellor. Applicants are expected to have served as professors for at least five years, possess an impressive publication record, and demonstrate sustained academic excellence.

The council’s chairman, Dr. Agwu Agwu, stated that the process is being conducted in accordance with the university’s legal framework. He also praised the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, whose tenure will conclude on October 31, 2026.

Similarly, the University of Jos has activated its succession process ahead of the expiration of Professor Tanko Ishaya’s tenure in December 2026. Representatives have already been elected into the search team, while the vacancy notice requires applicants to possess at least 15 years of uninterrupted teaching and research experience, including a minimum of 10 years as a distinguished professor.

The university also insists that candidates must currently hold academic and research appointments in institutions of comparable status to UNIJOS.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education continue to uphold the policy that vice-chancellors of federal universities serve a single, non-renewable five-year term, making tenure extensions or reappointments inconsistent with existing guidelines. Meanwhile, the vice-chancellorship position at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education has yet to be advertised, although the incumbent is expected to complete his tenure later this year.