The Federal Government has approved the appointment of Professor Mathew Adamu as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja. His three-month tenure takes effect from Monday, 11 August 2025.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs Roseline O. Adakayi. Professor Adamu takes over from Professor Patricia Manko Lar, who was appointed in an acting capacity for six months in February 2025.
The statement noted that Professor Lar, during her tenure, provided purposeful leadership and ensured academic and administrative stability. She also worked closely with key university stakeholders to initiate the selection process for the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
According to the Registrar, the new Acting Vice-Chancellor is expected to support the Governing Council, led by Senator Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, in concluding the appointment process in line with statutory provisions.
Mrs Adakayi expressed the university community’s appreciation to Professor Lar for her dedicated service and visionary leadership, which contributed to institutional progress. She also wished Professor Adamu success as he assumes the role and leads the institution through the transition period.
Professor Mathew Adamu is a seasoned academic and veterinary expert. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1998 and a Master’s degree in 2006 from the University of Maiduguri. In 2012, he earned a PhD in Veterinary Surgery from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He is a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria and became a full professor in 2019, specialising in Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology.
With 27 years of experience as a registered veterinarian, Professor Adamu has built a robust academic and professional career. He began as a Youth Corps Veterinarian and Liaison Officer in Dan Musa, Katsina State, before practicing privately in Minna, Niger State. In 2006, he joined the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna, and later moved to the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University.
At Makurdi, he rose through the ranks and held several leadership positions. Between 2014 and 2018, he headed the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, served as Deputy Dean from 2014 to 2016, and was Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 2018 to 2023. He became Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine in March 2023.
Professor Adamu has supervised numerous postgraduate students and has been involved in accreditation exercises for the National Universities Commission and the National Board for Technical Education. He also contributed to curriculum development for the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture in Zuru, Kebbi State.
His academic engagements have taken him to several countries, including the United States, Spain, South Africa, The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Lesotho. He has twice served as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and has received letters of commendation for his service.
With a rich background in academic leadership, research, and administration, Professor Adamu is expected to guide Yakubu Gowon University through its transition phase and contribute meaningfully to its progress.
