Professor Abiodun Adeniyi has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, following approval by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Founder, Datti Baba-Ahmed. The appointment, effective from 6 May 2026, came after a rigorous and competitive selection process.
A Distinguished Career in Journalism and Academia
Adeniyi, a distinguished scholar of communication and media epistemology, previously served as Registrar of the university. He is a product of The Guardian's 'School of Journalism' at Rutam House, which has produced many notable journalists and technocrats, including Bayo Onanuga, Dapo Olorunyomi, and others. His career began as a political journalist at The Guardian, where he worked under the late Political Editor Akpo Esajere.
Transition to Academia
Adeniyi transitioned fully into academia after earning his PhD from the University of Leeds as a British Chevening Scholar. He has held various academic positions, including Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Baze University. He is the first academic in Nigeria to hold the position of Registrar while retaining full professorial standing.
Recognition and Contributions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Adeniyi as a distinguished scholar and committed nation builder. His research spans diasporic communication, migration, and development communication, with notable publications including Media and the National Security Question and Diasporic Communication in the Digital Age. He has also contributed to public policy as Deputy Chairman of the National Values Charter Committee and as a consultant to international organizations.
A Model for Meritocracy
Adeniyi's appointment underscores the value of merit-based administration in education. His story serves as an example for integrating professionals into academia, a practice that can help rebuild Nigeria's educational system. As noted by colleagues, his rise from journalist to vice-chancellor reflects a rare synthesis of theory and practice.
