The Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly known as the University of Abuja, has announced the appointment of Professor Matthew Adamu as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a three-month tenure, effective from 11 August 2025.
The institution’s Acting Director of Press, Dr Habib Yakoob, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the appointment was approved by the Governing Council to ensure continuity in leadership while the process of selecting a substantive Vice-Chancellor is concluded.
According to the Acting Registrar, Roseline Adakayi, “Adamu succeeds Professor Patricia Manko Lar, who was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month tenure. During her stewardship, Professor Lar provided purposeful leadership, fostered academic and administrative stability, and, in concert with the relevant organs of the University, successfully initiated the selection process for the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.”
Adakayi explained that the new Acting Vice-Chancellor will work closely with the Governing Council, chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, to finalise the appointment process in strict compliance with statutory provisions and guidelines. She added, “The university community extends sincere gratitude to Professor Lar for her dedicated service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence and institutional progress.”
Wishing Adamu a successful tenure, the Registrar stated that his role will be crucial in steering the institution forward during this transition period.
Professor Adamu, a distinguished veterinary scholar, holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (1998) and a Master of Science (2006) from the University of Maiduguri, as well as a PhD in Veterinary Surgery from the University of Pretoria, South Africa (2012). In 2019, he was promoted to full professorship, specialising in Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology (Helminthology).
He is a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria and has 27 years of experience in veterinary practice, teaching, research, extension services, and the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Adamu’s professional journey began as a Youth Corps Veterinarian and Corps Liaison Officer in Dan Musa, Katsina State. He later practised privately in Minna, Niger State, before joining the Nigeria Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna, in 2006. He subsequently moved to the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University), where he rose through the academic ranks to become a full Professor.
