President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed former University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC), entrusting him with overseeing reforms and strengthening Nigeria’s university system.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned from the position less than a year after his appointment. Aina was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2025, while members of the NUC Governing Board were inaugurated in November 2025.
The appointment places Ogundipe at the helm of the regulatory body responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s university education system, with responsibilities that include policy guidance, institutional development, funding oversight and quality assurance.
A distinguished academic and renowned botanist, Ogundipe served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022 and is widely recognised for his contributions to higher education administration and scientific research.
His areas of expertise include molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany and ecological conservation.
Ogundipe holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos.
He currently serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, where he continues to contribute to academic leadership and institutional development.
Throughout his career, Ogundipe has earned recognition as a fellow of several prestigious professional organisations, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London and the Royal Society of Biology, London.
He has also served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).
As Chairman of the NUC Governing Board, Ogundipe is expected to provide strategic leadership aimed at strengthening the Nigerian university system, enhancing academic standards and promoting global competitiveness among higher education institutions.
His responsibilities will also include supporting efforts to improve funding mechanisms, ensure academic stability and advance policies that expand access to quality university education.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogundipe’s capacity to provide visionary leadership and sustain the credibility of the university system in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President expects the new NUC chairman to champion reforms that will enhance quality, integrity, accessibility and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The appointment comes at a critical period for higher education in Nigeria as stakeholders continue to advocate improved funding, research development, institutional autonomy and stronger global rankings for Nigerian universities.
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