By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe as the new Chairman of the National Universities Commission (NUC). The appointment was announced on Monday in Abuja. Professor Ogundipe, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who recently resigned from the position. The appointment aims to strengthen university regulation, improve funding, and enhance academic standards across Nigeria.
Ogundipe Takes Over from Professor Aina
Professor Ogundipe replaces Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who stepped down less than one year after his appointment.
President Tinubu appointed Professor Aina in July 2025. Subsequently, the Federal Government inaugurated the NUC governing board in November 2025.
The new appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to advancing higher education reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Profile of Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe
Professor Ogundipe served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022.
He is a distinguished Professor of Botany with expertise in:
- Molecular Plant Taxonomy
- Biosystematics
- Ethnobotany
- Cytogenetics
- Forensic Botany
- Ecological Conservation
In addition, he holds a PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos.
Currently, he serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
Distinguished Academic and Professional Career
Professor Ogundipe belongs to several respected professional bodies.
These include:
- Nigerian Academy of Science
- Linnaean Society of London
- Royal Society of Biology, London
Furthermore, he previously served as:
- President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria
- Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC)
His extensive academic and administrative experience positions him well for the role.
Key Responsibilities as NUC Chairman
As Chairman of the National Universities Commission, Professor Ogundipe will oversee policies that guide Nigeria’s university system.
His responsibilities include:
- Promoting quality higher education
- Strengthening university funding
- Enhancing global competitiveness
- Supporting academic stability
- Improving institutional integrity
The Federal Government expects him to provide visionary leadership and sustain confidence in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Tinubu Seeks Greater Progress in Higher Education
President Tinubu expects the new NUC Chairman to advance quality, access, and accountability in the education sector.
Moreover, the administration believes his leadership will support reforms that improve learning outcomes and strengthen Nigerian universities.
The appointment aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of building a more competitive and innovative education system.
