President Bola Tinubu has designated Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe to lead the governing board of the National Universities Commission (NUC). Ogundipe takes over the position from Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who stepped down less than a year into his term. President Tinubu originally appointed Aina in July 2024, with the board beginning its official work in November 2024.
Professor Ogundipe, a 66-year-old Botany expert who previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022, brings a strong academic background. He holds a PhD from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos. He currently acts as the Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State. His professional credentials include fellowships with the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnean Society of London, and the Royal Society of Biology.
As the new NUC Chairman, Ogundipe will be responsible for guiding the regulatory agency as it manages university funding and improves academic standards. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga noted that the administration looks to Ogundipe to promote innovation and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education institutions as part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda.
