In a significant development for the academic community in Nigeria, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the General Assembly and the Executive Board of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. This announcement was made in a letter dated November 1, 2024, and signed by Professor Yakubu A. Ochefu, PhD, FHSN, MNAL, the Secretary-General of the Committee.
Professor Ezemonye’s appointment comes as part of a structured rotation of leadership within the committee, following his nomination by the Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities. This decision reflects not only the trust and confidence placed in him by his peers but also the commitment to fostering collaborative leadership among the diverse range of universities in Nigeria.
The new chairman is set to serve a term of two years, during which he will preside over the Executive Board and lead meetings of the General Assembly of the Committee. As a prominent academic leader with extensive experience in higher education administration, Professor Ezemonye is expected to bring innovative ideas and a collaborative approach to the role.
He succeeds Professor Lillian I. Salami, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, who has served diligently in this capacity. Under her leadership, the committee made strides in addressing key issues affecting the academic landscape in Nigeria, and Professor Ezemonye is tasked with building on this foundation as he steps into the role.
The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities plays a crucial role in shaping policies, advocating for the interests of universities, and enhancing the quality of higher education in the country. Professor Ezemonye’s leadership is anticipated to usher in new initiatives aimed at strengthening the ties between public and private universities, and addressing the challenges faced by the academic sector.
As the academic community looks forward to his tenure, stakeholders are optimistic that Professor Ezemonye will champion reforms that will benefit both students and educators, fostering a more robust educational environment in Nigeria.
This landmark appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and sets the stage for future advancements in the Nigerian higher education system.
