President Bola Tinubu has announced a series of appointments across federal universities and government agencies, including a notable reversal of his earlier nomination for the Federal Character Commission leadership.
The President appointed Hon. Chisom D. Obih to serve on the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, while Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye was named to the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
In a significant development for higher education in the Northwest, President Tinubu approved key leadership positions for the Federal University of Health Sciences in Tsafe, Zamfara State. Professor Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai was appointed as Vice Chancellor of the institution, while Hamisu Yusuf Yelwa will serve as Registrar. The President also named Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as Bursar and Dr. Shehu Aminu Liman as Librarian for the health sciences university.
However, the most notable development was the President’s decision to reverse his earlier appointment at the Federal Character Commission. Initially, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka had been reappointed as Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission, but President Tinubu subsequently withdrew this nomination and replaced her with Hon. Ayo Omidiran, a former House of Representatives member.
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the reversal came after concerns about controversies that had marked Dankaka’s previous tenure. The initial announcement of Dankaka’s reappointment was followed by a subsequent release explaining the President’s decision to make the change.
Alongside the new FCC leadership, President Tinubu appointed Mohammed Musa as the Commission’s Secretary while retaining Kayode Oladele from Ogun State as Commissioner.
The appointments reflect the President’s ongoing efforts to fill key positions in federal institutions and ensure effective leadership across various government agencies and educational establishments.
The Federal Character Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable representation of Nigeria’s diverse population in federal appointments and programs, making the leadership change particularly significant for the country’s federal character policies.
These appointments are expected to take effect immediately as the beneficiaries assume their new roles in their respective institutions.