President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned from the position less than a year after his appointment. Professor Aina was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2025, while members of the board were inaugurated in November 2025.
Professor Ogundipe served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos between 2017 and 2022 and is widely recognised for his contributions to academic research, university administration and educational development in Nigeria.
A professor of Botany, Ogundipe specializes in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany and ecological conservation. He obtained his PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Lagos.
The 66-year-old academic currently serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
Throughout his career, he has been a member and fellow of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London and the Royal Society of Biology, London. He also previously served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).
As Chairman of the National Universities Commission, Professor Ogundipe will oversee policies and strategic decisions affecting Nigeria’s university system, including issues related to funding, quality assurance, academic standards and global competitiveness.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogundipe’s ability to provide visionary leadership for the commission and further strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
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The appointment aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes improved access to quality education, institutional stability and enhanced learning opportunities across the country.
Education stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the commission’s activities under the new leadership as efforts continue to improve the performance and international standing of Nigerian universities.
