Appointment of Prof. Ogundipe as NUC Chairman
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Prof. Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe as the chairman of the governing board of the National Universities Commission (NUC). The announcement was made on Monday, June 22, by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, as confirmed by Legit.ng. Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned after less than one year in office. President Tinubu had appointed Aina in July last year, while the board members were inaugurated in November 2025.
Profile of Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe
Prof. Ogundipe, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (2017–2022), is a Professor of Botany with expertise in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany, and ecological conservation. He holds a PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos. He currently serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
He is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London, and the Royal Society of Biology. He has also served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).
Tinubu’s Agenda for Education Reforms
As NUC chairman, Prof. Ogundipe will oversee the regulatory body of Nigeria’s university system, with a focus on funding, global competitiveness, and academic stability. President Tinubu expects him to provide visionary leadership at the NUC and strengthen the credibility of the university system in line with the 'Renewed Hope' agenda by advancing quality, access, and integrity in higher education.
According to the statement by Bayo Onanuga, the appointment is effective immediately. More details are expected to follow.
