Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, a professor, led the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022.
Ogundipe (Photo by Redeemer’s University)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as Chairman of the governing board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He succeeds Olufemi Aina, an emeritus professor, who resigned his appointment after less than one year in office.
President Tinubu appointed Aina in July last year, and the board members were inaugurated in November 2025.
Ogundipe, who led the University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022, is a professor of Botany with expertise in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany, and ecological conservation.
He holds a PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos. Currently, Professor Ogundipe, 66, serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State,” a statement by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, revealed on Monday.
“He is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London, and the Royal Society of Biology, London.
“He has also served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC),” the statement added.
It further disclosed that as NUC Chairman, Ogundipe would oversee the regulatory body of the Nigerian university system, focusing on funding, global competitiveness and academic stability.
According to the statement, President Tinubu expects Ogundipe to provide visionary leadership at the NUC and sustain the credibility of the Nigerian university system, in alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, by advancing quality, access, and integrity in the education sector.
