UNIJOS Appoints First Female Vice-Chancellor in 55-Year History

The University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, has appointed Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its first female Vice-Chancellor, ending a 55-year history of male leadership at the institution.

Lar’s appointment was announced on Thursday, November 12, 2026, by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, during a special meeting of the 15th Governing Council.

She becomes the 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university, succeeding Professor Tanko Ishaya.

Confirming the development, the university described Lar’s emergence as a historic milestone, noting that she was the first woman to occupy the substantive Vice-Chancellor position since the institution was established in 1971.

In a statement, the university said: “Professor Patricia Mamko Lar formally takes over from Professor Tanko Ishaya FBCS FNCS as the 11th Substantive and 1st female Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos.”

During the meeting, Bent formally presented Lar with her letter of appointment and charged her to remain focused as she prepares to lead the institution.

Lar is a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, where she attained professorial status in 2015.

She also has experience in university administration, having previously served as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly known as the University of Abuja, for six months.

Her appointment marks a significant development in the university’s leadership history and places her at the helm of its academic and administrative affairs.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Emmanuel Madugu, Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the Registrar and Secretary to Council.

The university said further details concerning the appointment would be made available subsequently.