Sen. Binta Garba named Pro-Chancellor as Tinubu appoints new Ekiti university governing council

President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council members, and Principal Officers for the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. Senator Binta Masi Garba has been named the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council.

A seasoned politician, businesswoman, and administrator, Senator Garba previously represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 to 2019 and served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011.

Other members of the university’s Governing Council include Prof. Joseph Olurotimi Sanya, Mr. Efe Emefienin Emmanuel, Dr. Joyce Ogunyemi, and Alhaji Dahiru Abdullahi Ruma. The Principal Officers appointed include Prof. James Olugbenga Aribisala as Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Oluwole Olalere Dada as Registrar, Mrs. Adeniyi Rachael Ajayi as Bursar, and Prof. Isaac Oluwadare Busayo as Librarian.

President Tinubu commended Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele for his efforts in advocating for the establishment of the new university in Iyin Ekiti. He urged the appointees to leverage their leadership experience and expertise to position the institution as a center of academic excellence, innovative research, and technological advancement. The university is set to admit its first batch of students in September 2025.

In a related development, the President has also appointed Prof. Muhammed Salihu Audu as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. He takes over from Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami.

Professor Audu is a distinguished academic and administrator with extensive experience in Nigeria’s higher education system. A Professor of Mathematics at the University of Jos, he previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he led several transformative initiatives that enhanced academic and infrastructural development.

These appointments reflect the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector through competent leadership and institutional reforms aimed at fostering academic growth and research innovation.