The University of Abuja has approved the promotion of 45 academic staff members to professorial ranks, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence. The development was confirmed following the nod given by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 11th Governing Council, Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, who granted interim approval pending formal ratification by the full council.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, the promotions were announced during the university’s 188th Regular Senate meeting, which held two weeks ago. The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Manko Lar, made the official announcement, expressing profound appreciation for the scholars’ dedication to teaching, research, and service.
Professor Lar commended the newly promoted academics, describing them as individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their fields and contributed significantly to the university’s intellectual growth. She stated, “In view of pending promotions, we sought the permission of the council chairman, who magnanimously granted approval—on behalf of the council and subject to ratification—for the announcement of those who received positive external assessments. Their elevation to the ranks of professor and associate professor is a well-earned recognition of their resilience, diligence, and scholarly contributions.”
She further encouraged the newly elevated scholars to see their promotion as a call to higher academic responsibility, especially in driving impactful research, mentoring younger academics, and shaping the next generation of leaders. “This administration remains committed to supporting the career advancement of deserving staff and will continue to ensure that all eligible members are promoted as and when due,” she added.
Out of the 45 promoted, 20 individuals attained the rank of full professor, while 25 others were elevated to associate professorship across various disciplines.
Prominent among those promoted to professor are Dr. Ishaya Sunday (Environmental Resource Planning), Dr. Gabriel Kehinde Omeiza (Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health), Dr. Simon Azubuike Ubah (Theriogenology), and Dr. Maria Aladi Apochi (Science Education – Biology). Also on the list are Dr. Akinola David Babatunde (Social Studies Education), Dr. Grace Simadi Olowonefa (Educational Administration and Planning), and Dr. Comfort Adetutu Olanrewaju (Zoology – Public Health Parasitology).
Others include Dr. Kolawole Sunday Adebayo (Applied Chemistry), Dr. Ogedengbe John Onimisi (Human Physiology), Dr. Kamoru Adio Salami (Process Intensification and Reaction Engineering), Dr. Samson Adeyinka Adeniji and Dr. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim (both in International Relations), Dr. Saleh Abubakar Sadiq (Finance), Dr. Emmanuel Ademola Anigilaje (Paediatrics – Nephrology), and Dr. Musa Adeyemi Olaofe (Islamic History and Ethics).
The list continues with Dr. Richard Onalo (Cardiology), Dr. Zubairul Islam (Geographical Information System/Remote Sensing), Dr. Andrew Donatus Abue (Anatomy – Physical Anthropology), Dr. Fatima Kyari (Ophthalmology), and Dr. Ugheoke Benjamin Iyenagbe (Production/Industrial Engineering).
Meanwhile, the Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Abuja Branch, has extended heartfelt congratulations to its Chief Imam, Professor Musa Adeyemi Olaofe, on his elevation to full professorship in Islamic History and Ethics. In a statement signed by the branch secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the society hailed the promotion as a monumental achievement not just for Prof. Olaofe, but for the entire Muslim Ummah committed to scholarly and moral excellence.
The society described Prof. Olaofe’s rise as a testament to years of relentless dedication and academic distinction. “This achievement is not only personal but symbolic of the values we uphold as a society—education, ethics, and intellectual development. It is a shining example for aspiring scholars within the Islamic and academic communities,” the statement read.
The society prayed for continued divine guidance and greater impact in his new role, expressing optimism that his promotion would further inspire educational advancement, strengthen moral leadership, and promote Islamic scholarship across Nigeria and beyond.
The promotions come as part of the university’s broader efforts to strengthen its academic profile and reward merit, reflecting a clear commitment to excellence in higher education and capacity development.
