Who is Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Tinubu’s new NUC board chairman?

President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Prof. Olufemi Aina, who was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2025 but resigned less than a year into the position.

The appointment was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Following the announcement, here are some key facts about the renowned academic and administrator:

1. He is a Botanist

Prof. Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe was born on May 31, 1960. He is a respected Nigerian academic and professor of botany, with decades of experience in teaching, research, and university administration.

2. He studied at Obafemi Awolowo University

Ogundipe obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He later earned both his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Botany from the same institution.

ALSO READ: Tinubu appoints Prof Ogundipe as NUC chairman

To broaden his administrative expertise, he also obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos.

3. He built his academic career at UNILAG

Ogundipe began his academic career at the University of Lagos, where he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Botany in 2002.

Over the years, he occupied several strategic positions within the institution, including Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies between 2007 and 2011, and Director of the Academic Planning Unit from 2012 to 2016.

4. He served as UNILAG’s 12th vice-chancellor

In November 2017, Ogundipe was appointed the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos after previously serving as the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

He led the university for a five-year tenure, which ended in November 2022.

5. He was involved in a major UNILAG leadership crisis

One of the most notable moments in his career came in 2020 when the Governing Council of UNILAG removed him from office over allegations of financial impropriety and gross misconduct.

The decision sparked widespread controversy within Nigeria’s academic community and drew national attention.

6. Buhari Reinstated Him as Vice-Chancellor

Following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his removal, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved Ogundipe’s reinstatement as Vice-Chancellor.

An investigative panel reportedly found that due process was not followed in his removal, leading to his return to office.

7. He is recognised for administrative experience

Beyond his academic accomplishments, Ogundipe has earned a reputation as an experienced university administrator. His years in leadership roles at UNILAG are expected to be valuable in his new position overseeing the governing board of the NUC, the body responsible for regulating university education in Nigeria.

8. He Is a Family Man

Prof. Ogundipe is married and has three children.

New Responsibility at the NUC

With his appointment as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission, Ogundipe is expected to contribute to policy direction and governance in Nigeria’s university system.

His extensive background in academia, university management, and educational leadership positions him as one of the country’s most experienced figures in higher education administration.