New Leadership at the University of Abuja
The Federal Government has appointed Professor Mathew Adamu as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University. This appointment marks a significant transition in the leadership of the institution, following the end of Professor Patricia Manko Lar’s six-month tenure as Acting Vice-Chancellor, which began in February 2025.
Professor Adamu will serve for a period of three months, starting from Monday, 11 August 2025. His appointment comes as the university continues to work toward the selection of a substantive Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with statutory provisions and guidelines. The Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Roseline O. Adakayi, highlighted that Adamu will support the Governing Council, led by Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, in concluding this process.
During her time in office, Professor Manko Lar provided purposeful leadership, fostered academic and administrative stability, and successfully initiated the selection process for the next permanent Vice-Chancellor. The University community expressed sincere gratitude for her dedicated service, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence and institutional progress.
Professor Adamu is expected to lead the university during this critical transitional period, ensuring continuity and stability as the search for a permanent leader continues. His appointment reflects the government's confidence in his ability to guide the institution effectively.
A Distinguished Academic Career
Professor Mathew Adamu is a well-respected veterinary scholar whose academic journey began with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1998, followed by a Master of Science in 2006, both obtained from the University of Maiduguri. He later earned his PhD in Veterinary Surgery from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2012.
His contributions to the field have earned him recognition as a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria. In 2019, he was promoted to full professorship, specializing in Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology (Helminthology). With 27 years of experience as a registered veterinarian, Professor Adamu has built a career that spans teaching, research, extension services, and supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
After completing his studies, he served as a Youth Corps Veterinarian and Corps Liaison Officer in Dan Musa, Katsina State. He then practiced privately in Minna, Niger State, before moving to the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research in Kaduna in early 2006. He later joined the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University) as a Lecturer II, where he rose through the ranks to become a full Professor in 2019.
Leadership and Contributions
Professor Adamu’s tenure at Makurdi was marked by effective leadership in both academic and administrative roles. Between 2014 and 2018, he oversaw the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology while also serving as Deputy Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine from 2014 to 2016. From 2018 to 2023, he was Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and from March 2023, he served as Dean of the College.
He has supervised numerous postgraduate students through substantial research initiatives that have resulted in master’s and doctoral degrees. Additionally, Professor Adamu has participated in accreditation work for NUC evaluations at the University of Benin and NBTE assessments at the Federal College of Animal Health in Plateau State. He has also contributed to curriculum development for the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture in Zuru, Kebbi State.
International Collaborations and Recognition
Professor Adamu’s academic collaborations have taken him to multiple countries, including the United States, Spain, South Africa, Lesotho, The Gambia, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. His service has been recognized locally, with letters of commendation from the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He has also twice served as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the university during transitional periods.
As he begins his new role, Professor Adamu brings a wealth of experience, academic excellence, and leadership skills to the University of Abuja. His appointment is expected to provide stability and direction during this important phase of the institution’s development.