The University of Abuja has reached a significant milestone in its leadership with the appointment of a new substantive Vice-Chancellor. The institution's Governing Council has officially named Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi to this prestigious position during a recent extraordinary meeting.
Official Appointment Details
The Governing Council of the University of Abuja approved Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi's appointment during their 80th Extraordinary Meeting held on Friday, November 7, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Distinguished Senator Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, marking a crucial decision for the university's future direction.
Professor Fawehinmi's tenure as Vice-Chancellor is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, initiating a five-year leadership period that will be nonrenewable according to the appointment terms. This single-term arrangement ensures fresh leadership perspectives for the institution after the completion of his service.
Transition Period and Current Leadership
In the interim period leading up to Professor Fawehinmi's assumption of office, Professor Matthew Adamu will continue serving as Acting Vice-Chancellor. Professor Adamu was initially appointed to the acting position on August 11, 2025, by the Federal Government and will maintain leadership responsibilities until the official transition date.
The Governing Council emphasized that this transitional arrangement was implemented to guarantee a smooth and stable leadership change for the university. This careful planning demonstrates the institution's commitment to maintaining operational continuity during the handover period.
Professor Fawehinmi's Distinguished Career
Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi brings substantial academic and administrative experience to his new role. Immediately preceding this appointment, he served as the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University in Abia State, where he earned recognition for establishing the institution's foundation and strengthening its academic frameworks.
His professional credentials include:
- Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology
- Two-time Head of Department of Anatomy at University of Port Harcourt (2005-2009)
- Associate Dean (2010-2012) and Dean of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2012-2014) at University of Port Harcourt
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at University of Port Harcourt (2016-2020)
Professor Fawehinmi has established himself as one of Nigeria's most respected academics with an impressive research portfolio. His scholarly achievements include:
- Over 100 peer-reviewed journal publications
- 37 conference paper presentations
- Participation in 78 international and local workshops and training programs
- Supervision of over 100 undergraduate projects, 15 master's dissertations, and 13 PhD/MD theses
Recognition and Personal Life
The incoming Vice-Chancellor has received multiple academic and community service awards throughout his career. He holds fellowships from prestigious institutions including the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI) and the Academy of Medicine Specialities of Nigeria (FAMedS).
His research excellence was further acknowledged when he was cited in the 2021 Africa Scientist Rankings by the Alper-Doger Scientific Index, placing him among the continent's top researchers.
On a personal note, Professor Fawehinmi is married to Dr Hadeezat O. Fawehinmi, who serves as a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt. The couple has five children together. Colleagues describe him as a disciplined academic with strong passion for mentorship and institutional development.
This appointment comes at a significant time for Nigerian universities, following recent nationwide warning strikes called by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in October 2025. Professor Fawehinmi's leadership will be crucial in navigating the University of Abuja through current challenges in the higher education sector.
