UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA (UNIABUJ) APPOINTS A NEW VICE CHANCELLOR

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has announced the appointment of Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi as the new substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

The appointment, approved by the 11th Governing Council of the University under the chairmanship of Distinguished Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, was formally announced during the 80th Extraordinary Meeting of Council held on Friday, 7th November 2025.

According to the official statement, the appointment takes effect from Tuesday, 10th February 2026, and will run for a single, non-renewable tenure of five years.

Continuity and Leadership Transition

Before assuming office, Professor Fawehinmi will be taking over from Professor Mathew Adamu, who has been serving as the Acting Vice-Chancellor since August 11, 2025, following his appointment by the Federal Government.

The Council, in the same meeting, approved an extension of Professor Adamu’s tenure as Acting Vice-Chancellor until 10th February 2026, to ensure a smooth and stable transition of leadership.

Senator Tejuoso commended both the outgoing and incoming vice-chancellors, noting that the decision of the Council followed a rigorous and transparent selection process in line with the University’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity.

About Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi

Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi is a renowned Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology, known for his extensive academic contributions, administrative experience, and research excellence both within and outside Nigeria.

He is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University, and has spent decades building a strong academic career dedicated to teaching, research, and institutional development.

Prof. Fawehinmi’s academic journey reflects deep involvement in university administration and leadership. He has served as Head of the Department of Anatomy (2005–2007; 2007–2009), Associate Dean (2010–2012), and Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2012–2014) at the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort).

His outstanding performance in these roles led to his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), a position he held for two terms between 2016 and 2020.

Academic and Professional Excellence

Over the course of his distinguished career, Professor Fawehinmi has demonstrated a remarkable ability to combine academic scholarship with effective institutional management.

He has served in numerous statutory and ad-hoc committees and governing boards, experiences that have equipped him with the administrative acumen and leadership qualities necessary to guide a large and complex academic community such as UNIABUJA.

A respected voice in the medical and academic community, he has been an active member of several national and international professional associations, where he has held notable positions including:

• Secretary-General and Member, National Executive Council, Nigerian Medical Association (Rivers State Chapter, 1999–2000)

• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Anatomical Sciences

• President, Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (2014–2016)

Prof. Fawehinmi is 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) — honors that reflect his international recognition and contributions to the advancement of medical science and education.

Research Contributions and Academic Output

A prolific researcher and scholar, Professor Fawehinmi has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications in reputable, indexed journals across various fields of anatomy, anthropology, and biomedical science.

He has also presented 37 conference abstracts and participated in 78 conferences, workshops, and training programmes across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America — often serving as a resource person or keynote speaker.

As an academic mentor, he has supervised over 100 undergraduate projects, 15 Master’s theses, and 13 PhD/MD dissertations, nurturing generations of medical scientists and scholars.

In 2014, he delivered the 111th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt, titled “Different Tailors for the Same People; Same Surgeon for Different People,” which was widely celebrated for its depth, originality, and relevance to the study of human anatomy and diversity.

Innovation, Patents, and Grants

Professor Fawehinmi’s academic influence extends beyond teaching and research. He has successfully attracted several national and international competitive research grants as a Principal Investigator.

His innovative contributions to anatomical science earned him a Federal Government Patent for the design of the AMRG Anthropometry Chair, a specialized instrument used for dimensional body measurements in research and medical studies.

This invention underscores his passion for applying scientific knowledge to solve practical human problems and promote research-driven technological advancement.

National and International Engagements

Prof. Fawehinmi’s expertise has also been recognized globally. He has played significant roles in conceptualizing and implementing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and partnerships between universities, research institutions, and industry — fostering collaborations between “Town and Gown” both locally and internationally.

He has served as External Examiner and Assessor for professorial appointments in several first- and second-generation Nigerian universities, as well as at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom.

Additionally, he has led Visitation Panels of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to various medical schools, demonstrating his trustworthiness, credibility, and influence in higher education governance.

In recognition of his scholarly impact, Professor Fawehinmi was cited in the 2021 Africa Scientist Rankings by the Alper-Doger Scientific Index, which highlights leading researchers across the continent.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout his career, Prof. Fawehinmi has received numerous academic, professional, and community service awards, honoring his dedication to excellence, innovation, and humanity.

His leadership philosophy is grounded in teamwork, mentorship, and continuous improvement — qualities that align perfectly with UNIABUJA’s vision of becoming a world-class institution committed to producing globally competitive graduates.

Personal Life

Beyond academics, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi is a family man. He is married to Dr. Hadeezat O. Fawehinmi, a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, and they are blessed with five children.

Looking Ahead

The University community has warmly welcomed the appointment of Professor Fawehinmi, expressing optimism that his leadership will usher in a new era of academic advancement, research innovation, and infrastructural development at UNIABUJA.

His blend of experience, scholarship, and vision is expected to strengthen the University’s position as a hub of knowledge and innovation in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

The Governing Council and Senate have both expressed confidence that Professor Fawehinmi’s appointment will further the institution’s mission of delivering quality education, fostering research excellence, and shaping the future of young Nigerians through intellectual empowerment.