ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The appointment places one of Nigeria’s most respected academics at the helm of the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the nation’s university system.

Professor 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 formally inaugurated in November of the same year.

A distinguished scholar and administrator, Professor Ogundipe served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022. He is a Professor of Botany with extensive expertise in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany and ecological conservation.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos.

Currently, the 66-year-old academic serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, where he continues to contribute to the advancement of higher education in Nigeria.

Professor Ogundipe is also a fellow of several prestigious professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London and the Royal Society of Biology, London. He 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 NUC Governing Board, Ogundipe is expected to play a critical role in shaping policies aimed at improving university funding, enhancing academic standards, promoting research and innovation, and strengthening the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

The Federal Government said the appointment aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to educational reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the Presidency, the President expects Professor Ogundipe to provide visionary leadership that will sustain the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s university system while advancing access to quality higher education across the country.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the appointment, describing Professor Ogundipe as an experienced administrator whose academic background and leadership record position him well to contribute to the continued development of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

The National Universities Commission remains the principal regulatory agency responsible for coordinating, monitoring and maintaining standards in Nigerian universities.