The Governing Council of the University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University, has approved the elevation of 21 academic staff to the professorial cadre as part of efforts to strengthen scholarship and research excellence in the institution.

The approvals were granted at the council’s 81st extraordinary meeting held between February 5 and 6, 2026, following the review of favourable external assessment reports on the candidates’ academic publications and professional contributions.

Council Chairman, Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, who presided over the meeting, confirmed that 16 lecturers were promoted to the rank of full professor, while five others were elevated to the position of associate professor across various disciplines.

The affected fields include clinical pharmacology, science education (physics), electrical engineering, endocrinology, Islamic studies, nephrology, clinical anatomy, dermatology, guidance and counselling, English language education, educational administration and planning, taxation law, geography and environmental management, public administration and e-governance, political science and international relations, and philosophy.

According to the university management, the promotions take effect on different dates spanning between 2020 and 2025, in line with the completion of due processes and external evaluations.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described the promotions as well-earned, noting that they reflect years of rigorous academic work, impactful research and positive external reviews.

He congratulated the newly promoted scholars and urged them to sustain high standards in teaching, research and community service.

Fawehinmi also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to improving its internal review processes to ensure timely assessment and recognition of deserving academic staff in accordance with established guidelines.

He expressed optimism that the elevation of the scholars would further boost academic leadership, research output and institutional growth.