… As he is expected to institute far-reaching reforms that reflect global best practices
By Saidu Abubakar
Prof Oluyinka Oluseyi Okubanjo will assume office as the new Provost of Ahmadu Bello University Postgraduate College on Wednesday, 20th August, 2025.
According to a statement by Auwalu Umar, Director, Directorate of Public Affairs in the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Okubanjo was a Deputy Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, now Postgraduate College.
“He teaches at the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology. And he was a Deputy Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
“Prof. Okubanjo, whose appointment was approved last week by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, succeeds Prof. Muhammad Nasiru Shuaibu”, the statement added. The appointment is for a period of two years.
He is expected to, among others, institute far-reaching reforms which align with the vision and mission of Ahmadu Bello University, and reflect global best practices in postgraduate education, administration, and academic governance.
The new Provost, the statement said, is also mandated to position the university as a leader in Transnational Education by developing frameworks and protocols for establishing international partnerships in postgraduate training and research.
This is in addition to designing and coordinating postgraduate programmes that support the effective domestication of TETFund – supported scholar training in the 14 disciplines assigned to ABU.
He is to expand access and reach by promoting flexible, inclusive, and technology-driven models of postgraduate education, including hybrid and online programmes.
Prof. Okubanjo is further expected to promote institutional visibility and engagement, positioning the College as a driver of national development, academic excellence, and international leadership.
His appointment is coming at a time when the university has recently been entrusted by the Federal Government with the highest national responsibility for the domestication of the TETFund Academic Staff Training and Development (AST&D) scheme, Auwalu Umar stressed in the statement.
The mandate underscores the confidence of the government in Ahmadu Bello University’s institutional capacity.
Also, the university has recently been challenged to take the lead in Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships, creating opportunities for dual degree programmes, joint supervision, faculty exchanges, and international research collaboration.
The Vice-Chancellor said Prof. Okubanjo’s appointment was informed by his deep familiarity with the College as a one time Deputy Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and his stature as a seasoned researcher and respected academic reformer.
