Hakeem Fawehinmi has formally assumed duty as the 8th substantive vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja.
He takes over from Professor Mathew Adamu, who served in an acting capacity since August 11, 2025.
Fawehinmi’s appointment was approved by the university’s 11th governing council during its 80th extraordinary meeting on November 7 following a rigorous and transparent selection process.
A statement by Habib Yakoob, spokesperson of the university, said the new vice-chancellor expressed appreciation to the governing council, senate, management, staff, students, and alumni for their warm reception.
He pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance academic excellence, research output, innovation, institutional stability, and the overall student experience.
“The university will, under my leadership, actively explore opportunities to collaborate and secure more funding to strengthen the University, expand our academic and executive programmes, and widen access to education within the Federal Capital Territory and beyond,” statement quoted Fawehinmi as saying.
“With your support, this institution will achieve its vision of becoming a world-class university.”
According to the statement, staff members, students, and members of the university community welcomed his appointment, noting his reputation for discipline, academic substance, and administrative experience.
A distinguished scholar of clinical anatomy and biomedical anthropology, Fawehinmi has over three decades of academic, research, and administrative leadership at both national and international levels.
He holds a BMedSc in Anatomy and an MBBS from the University of Port Harcourt, an MSc in Medical Anthropology from the University of London, and a Doctor of Medicine (MD).
He is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI), the Anatomical Society of Nigeria (FASN), the Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (FECAN), and the Academy of Medical Specialties of Nigeria (FAMedS).
Fawehinmi has commenced extensive consultations with principal officers, faculty leadership, student representatives, unions, and other key stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition and align priorities for the University’s next strategic phase.
