Tinubu gives Akinfeleye, Obih, others juicy appointments in universities

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has announced strategic appointments to strengthen the governance of Nigeria’s higher education institutions, naming new members to university governing councils and principal officers for the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology (FUHST), Tsafe, Zamfara State.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

Hon. Chisom D. Obih has been appointed to the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, filling a vacancy left by the passing of a council member.

Meanwhile, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, a distinguished communications expert and former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, joins the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Akinfeleye, who previously served on the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja, replaces Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, now Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Federal University of Transport, Daura, Katsina State.

Akinfeleye’s extensive credentials include chairing the Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography at Unilag Radio 103.1 FM and Television, bringing a wealth of experience to his new role.

His appointment underscores Tinubu’s focus on leveraging expertise to enhance university administration.

In a parallel move, President Tinubu appointed Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai as Vice Chancellor of FUHST, Tsafe.

A retired Nigerian Army Colonel and current Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University, Kano, Yakasai brings a robust academic and administrative background.

He holds an MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and advanced qualifications from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK), alongside fellowships from the International and American Colleges of Surgeons.

His leadership roles include chairing the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria and serving as Director-General of the Hospitals Management Board, Kano State.

Supporting Yakasai at FUHST are Mr. Hamisu Yusuf Yelwa as Registrar, Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as Bursar, and Dr. Shehu Aminu Liman as Librarian.

These appointments reflect Tinubu’s commitment to building a competent leadership team to drive the nascent university’s mission in health sciences education and research.