Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), Professor Lar Patricia Manko, says she has successfully resolved longstanding institutional crises and restored morale within five months of her appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Professor of Microbiology detailed sweeping reforms implemented since assuming office in February 2025, following the controversial removal of her predecessor, Prof. Aisha Maikudi.
Prof. Manko revealed that she inherited a highly fractured university community, riddled with over 300 staff petitions, factionalism across unions, delayed promotions, and infrastructural decay. “There was no handover note. The environment was toxic, filled with discontent and disillusionment,” she said.
She took immediate steps to unify staff, students, and alumni by setting up advisory teams, resolving promotion backlogs—including the advancement of over 40 senior academic staff—and correcting anomalies in appointments. She also confronted and addressed over 200 cases of fake admissions.
On student affairs, Manko relaunched the Student Affairs Directorate and held a July 10 town hall meeting to re-engage students. She reversed anti-activist policies, ensured smooth union elections, and facilitated free in-campus transportation.
Infrastructure upgrades, supported by TETFUND, included improved lecture halls, new lab equipment, hostel sanitation overhaul, and the launch of smart campus connectivity with high-speed Wi-Fi, in collaboration with NITDA and private tech firms.
Highlighting achievements in research and entrepreneurship, the VC noted MoUs with corporate partners to build hostels, agro facilities, and innovation hubs. CNG buses and tricycles were also donated to the university to ease transportation costs.
“Our approach combines academic reform with social harmony, digital transformation, and student empowerment,” she stated, emphasizing her administration’s impact on governance, research capacity, and institutional credibility.
Prof. Manko expressed optimism about the university’s future, citing the appointment of a new, competent governing council as a catalyst for sustainable transformation.
