Yakubu Gowon University names Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi as new vice chancellor
Story by Okafor Vivian
The Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) has approved the appointment of Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi as the institution’s substantive Vice Chancellor.
The decision was reached during the 80th Extraordinary Meeting of the 11th Governing Council, chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, held on Friday, November 7, 2025.
According to a statement signed by the University’s Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, the appointment will take effect from Tuesday, February 10, 2026, for a single, non-renewable term of five years.
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Professor Fawehinmi, a distinguished scholar of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology, currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State.
Meanwhile, the Council has approved the extension of the tenure of the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, until February 10, 2026. Professor Adamu was first appointed to the position on August 11, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Professor Fawehinmi brings to Yakubu Gowon University a wealth of experience in academic leadership and institutional management. Over the years, he has served as Head of the Department of Anatomy (2005–2009), Associate Dean (2010–2012), Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2012–2014), and two-term Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) (2016–2020) at the University of Port Harcourt.
A seasoned academic administrator, Professor Fawehinmi has served on numerous statutory and ad hoc committees and is recognized for his commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement.
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He is also a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI) and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (FAMedS). His professional contributions extend to serving as Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Chapter (1999–2000), Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Anatomical Sciences, and President of the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (2014–2016).
Professor Fawehinmi has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and 37 conference abstracts, and has participated in more than 70 academic conferences and workshops across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. He has supervised over 100 undergraduate projects, 15 master’s theses, and 13 doctoral dissertations.
He delivered the 111th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt in 2014, titled “Different Tailors for the Same People; Same Surgeon for Different People.”
In addition, his innovation the AMRG Anthropometry Chair for Dimensional Body Measurements earned a Federal Government patent, underscoring his contributions to scientific advancement.
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Professor Fawehinmi has also spearheaded several institutional partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding between academia and industry, both within Nigeria and internationally.
His appointment signals a new chapter in the university’s pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and global relevance.
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