ABU Appoints Prof Oluyinka Okubanjo as New Postgraduate Provost
Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria has announced that Prof Oluyinka Okubanjo will serve as the new Provost of its Postgraduate College starting from August 20, 2025. He will be taking over from Prof Muhammad Nasiru Shuaibu, whose term recently ended. The appointment was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, for an initial period of two years.
Prof Okubanjo is a respected academic in the field of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology. He had previously served as the Deputy Dean of the former School of Postgraduate Studies before it was upgraded to a full Postgraduate College. He also served in various administrative roles within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine alongside his teaching and research duties.
The university explained that Prof Okubanjo is expected to bring important reforms that reflect international best practices in postgraduate education and academic management. His appointment was made in response to new national and international responsibilities assigned to the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor said the selection was based on Prof Okubanjo’s deep understanding of the postgraduate system at ABU and his strong record as both a researcher and administrator. He added that the university hopes the new Provost will help position ABU as a globally competitive institution in postgraduate training.
He further noted that ABU is now responsible for overseeing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Academic Staff Training and Development scheme in fourteen key academic disciplines. This has placed the university at a major point in its development and requires a strong leadership.
In addition to managing this national mandate, Prof Okubanjo is expected to lead efforts to build international partnerships, develop joint degree programmes, promote faculty exchange and increase the university’s role in Transnational Education.
Part of his responsibilities also include expanding access to postgraduate education through flexible and technology-driven formats such as hybrid and online programmes. This is aimed at reaching a wider range of students and supporting Nigeria’s national development goals.
The university expects the new Provost to work closely with the private sector to make sure research produced by the university improves policies and leads to real-life solutions. Many observers will now be watching to see how quickly Prof Okubanjo can turn the university’s goals into real results in the months ahead.
