Tinubu Shakes Up Varsity Leadership, Appoints AVM Saddiq Kaita as Bayero University Governing Council Chairman

In a move that signals a fresh wave of appointments in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano. The announcement, dated August 1, 2025, was signed and released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and has stirred both commendation and curiosity across the political and academic landscape.

The decision to bring in AVM Kaita comes on the heels of the reassignment of Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the outgoing Council Chairman, who is also the Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). According to the official statement, the change was made to enable Dr. Gawuna to focus fully on his position at the FHA without the added responsibilities of steering one of the country’s most prominent universities. The presidency’s swift action in replacing him has been interpreted by some as a deliberate effort to streamline governance roles and ensure effectiveness in national leadership across sectors.

Kaita, a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s defense and strategic sectors, is no stranger to high-level leadership. Prior to his retirement, he held the influential position of Director of Strategy at the Defence Headquarters, where he played a pivotal role in shaping military planning and transformation. He also served as the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation, a role that earned him respect for driving initiatives aimed at modernizing the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The appointment of a former military officer to the helm of a university’s governing council has sparked a wave of reactions among Nigerians, particularly academics and students who are keen to see the impact of this transition. Kaita’s career in defense, marked by his contributions to training, standardisation, and innovation, is expected to bring a fresh, disciplined approach to the governance of Bayero University. Observers believe his background could help enhance the strategic direction and organizational efficiency of the institution at a time when many Nigerian universities are grappling with funding challenges, infrastructural decay, and industrial unrest.

A decorated officer with a wealth of leadership experience, AVM Kaita is not new to the world of education governance. He has previously served as the Chairman of the Governing Council at the University of Abuja, where his tenure was noted for decisive policies and the promotion of academic excellence. Many believe that his experience at Abuja will provide a strong foundation for his new role in Kano, as he inherits a university that continues to expand its programs and attract scholars from across Nigeria and beyond.

While some members of the academic community have expressed cautious optimism, others are waiting to see whether Kaita’s leadership style will be a good fit for an academic environment that thrives on autonomy, intellectual freedom, and inclusiveness. For students and staff of Bayero University, the appointment has come at a time when expectations are high for reform, particularly in areas such as student welfare, staff development, and infrastructural advancement. The university, widely respected for its research and contributions to social sciences, Islamic studies, and science-based disciplines, now looks to its new governing council leadership for vision, stability, and impact.

Reactions on social media have been mixed. While supporters of the President laud the decision as strategic and merit-based, critics argue that more emphasis should be placed on educationalists and academicians for such roles. Nevertheless, AVM Kaita’s track record of public service and his commitment to national development remain undeniable. The Tinubu administration has been consistent in appointing individuals with proven leadership capacities to critical positions, and this move appears to align with that policy thrust.

Political watchers also note that the reshuffling of council chairs may be part of a broader effort by the presidency to recalibrate educational governance structures ahead of key reforms expected to roll out in the coming year. With Nigeria’s higher education sector in desperate need of innovation and renewed credibility, strategic leadership at the council level could be the catalyst for change.

President Tinubu, since assuming office, has pledged to prioritize education, security, and the economy. The appointment of Kaita, a figure who has operated at the intersection of defense and strategic planning, suggests that the President sees value in cross-sectoral expertise—bringing military precision into academic management. Whether this approach will resonate with university stakeholders remains to be seen, but the decision underscores the administration’s commitment to hands-on governance.

Insiders at Bayero University have already begun to speculate on what Kaita’s tenure might look like. Some anticipate a period of tightened discipline and structured leadership, while others foresee new opportunities for collaboration between the university and defense institutions, especially in areas like research, cybersecurity, and national development.

As AVM Saddiq Kaita prepares to step into his new role, one thing is clear: expectations will be high. His success or failure will not only reflect on his personal capabilities but also serve as a litmus test for the Tinubu administration’s larger vision for education reform in Nigeria. With a strong legacy behind him and a new challenge ahead, Kaita’s journey as Chairman of Bayero University’s Governing Council is one that will be closely watched.

The appointment, though still fresh, has already begun shaping conversations on campus and beyond. For students and staff, hope lingers in the air—hope for improved facilities, better funding, stronger governance, and a future where excellence is not just a goal, but a standard. Whether Kaita will rise to the occasion and deliver on these expectations will unfold in the weeks and months to come, but one thing is certain: a new chapter has begun at Bayero University, and the nation is watching.