President Bola Tinubu has appointed former University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The appointment was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Ogundipe takes over from Professor Olufemi Aina, an emeritus professor, who resigned from the position after spending less than a year in office.
Aina was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2025, while members of the NUC governing board were inaugurated in November of the same year.
The newly appointed chairman is a respected academic and administrator with decades of experience in Nigeria’s university system.
Ogundipe served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022, overseeing the institution during a period of significant academic and administrative activities.
He is a Professor of Botany with expertise in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany and ecological conservation.
According to the statement, Ogundipe holds a doctorate degree in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University.
He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Lagos.
“Currently, Professor Ogundipe, 66, serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State,” the statement said.
The statement highlighted his contributions to academic research and professional development within and outside Nigeria.
“He is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London, and the Royal Society of Biology, London.”
The Presidency also noted that Ogundipe has held several leadership positions in scientific and academic organisations.
“He has also served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC),” the statement added.
As chairman of the NUC governing board, Ogundipe is expected to provide strategic direction for Nigeria’s university regulatory agency.
His responsibilities would include supporting policies aimed at improving university funding, academic stability and international competitiveness.
The statement said the appointment aligns with efforts to strengthen the quality and credibility of higher education across the country.
According to the Presidency, the new chairman is expected to drive reforms that will enhance access to quality education and promote institutional integrity.
President Tinubu also charged Ogundipe to provide visionary leadership at the commission in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The statement said the President expects him to sustain the credibility of the Nigerian university system while advancing quality, access and excellence in the education sector.
