Vice-Chancellor at the University of Abuja

The University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja) was established in January 1988. It is Nigeria's first dual-mode University with a mandate for both conventional and distance learning education. Academic activities commenced in 1990 and a portion of land measuring 11,678.28 hectares was allocated to it by the then President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR for continuous expansion.

Today, the University has a College of Health Sciences, 17 faculties, over 70 undergraduate programmes, a revitalised Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education, a School of Postgraduate Studies, an Institute of Education, and a thriving Business School, along with multiple research centres and institutes. With over 50,000 students from all States of the Federation including International Students, the University proudly embodies its role as "The University for National Unity." It is committed to advancing research, innovation, and partnerships to become a leading research hub in Nigeria.

In accordance with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1993 as amended, the Governing Council of the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja) announces that the post of the Vice-Chancellor is vacant, and invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Vice-Chancellor

Locations: Abuja

The Role
The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive and Academic Officer of the University. The successful candidate will have the following mandate:

• To lead the University in realising its vision and mission;
• To be responsible to the Governing Council for the day-to-day administration of the University;
• To serve as a member of the Governing Council, Chair of Senate and Congregation, and member/chair of other statutory and appointed committees.

The Candidate
The University seeks an exceptional academic leader to consolidate its recent gains in teaching, research, and institutional development. The ideal candidate will be:

• A distinguished scholar with a proven record of academic and administrative excellence;
• Capable of mobilising partnerships with government, the organised private sector, Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and international agencies; and Visionary in advancing the University's mission and strategic goals.

Qualifications and Requirements
Candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a Professor of at least ten (10) years experience in a recognised University as of the closing date of application.
• Must hold the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) or its professional equivalent.
• Must have evidence of successful postgraduate supervision.
• Must demonstrate a proven track record of academic excellence recognised nationally and internationally.
• Must have published widely in peer-reviewed journals and must demonstrate recent high-level academic productivity at the professorial level.
• Must have strong evidence of community service.
• Must have a Google Scholar or ResearchGate h- index of at least 10 citations.
• Evidence of securing and leading at least one (1) funded research project.
• Must demonstrate strong international engagement and academic linkages.
• Must have presented papers in International and Local Conferences in the last five (5) years.
• Must have a clear vision for advancing the University's mission.
• Must have the ability to build and sustain partnerships with Government, the organised private sector, and international bodies.
• Must demonstrate entrepreneurial ability to attract extra-statutory funding and capacity to mobilise resources for the development of the University.
• Must have integrity, with a commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and team- building skills, fostering collaboration with students, staff, and stakeholders.
• Must demonstrate excellent time management, organisational and communication skills.
• Must embrace and promote the University's core values.
• Must demonstrate appreciable ICT literacy.
• Must be physically and mentally fit as may be determined by a Government Hospital.
• Must not be older than 65 years at the time of appointment.
• Must demonstrate commitment to managing
• diversity and inclusion.
• Must have effective conflict resolution skills and experience in managing institutional change.
• Must have sufficient knowledge of Nigerian Higher Education Policy, Governance Frameworks, and Regulatory requirements.

Tenure and Terms of Appointment

• The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a single term of five (5) years.
• Remuneration and other conditions of service are as applicable in Nigerian Federal Universities and as determined by the Federal Government.

Application Closing Date
15th August, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit thirty (30) copies of:

• A signed application letter written in Times New Roman, font size 14 in single line spacing;
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae;
• Mission Statement (maximum 1,000 words) outlining their vision for the University;
• Photocopies of Academic qualifications and all other relevant credentials; and a readable Flash Drive containing all the above in PDF format in a sealed envelope.

The Curriculum Vitae must include the following:

• Full Name (Surname first in block letters);
• Date and Place of Birth;
• Nationality and State of Origin;
• Permanent home address;
• Current postal address;
• Phone Number(s) and email address;
• Marital Status and number/ages of children Educational institutions attended with dates and qualifications;
• Professional memberships or fellowships;
• Work experience with details of past and present posts;
• List of publications;
• Other relevant activities;
• Major professional achievements, awards and contributions;
• Hobbies; and
• Names and contact details of three referees.

Applications should be addressed and submitted in a sealed envelope marked "Post of Vice-Chancellor" at the top left corner to:
The Registrar,
University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja),
Senate Building, Main Campus,
Along Airport Road Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja, Nigeria.

Note

• Referees must submit confidential reports on the candidate's character, academic and managerial competence in sealed envelopes marked "Reference-Post of Vice-Chancellor." directly to the Registrar at the address above
• All applications will be acknowledged.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
• The Governing Council reserves the right to withdraw, extend, revoke, or nullify this advertisement without prior notice.