Photo: University of Jos preclinical buildings — Wikimedia Commons
The University of Jos has appointed Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor, making her the first woman to hold the position since the university was founded over five decades ago.
The appointment was announced on Thursday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, during a special meeting of the university's 15th Governing Council.
- Lar succeeds Professor Tanko Ishaya, whose tenure ends this month
- She is a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos
- She previously served six months as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja
Who Patricia Lar is
Professor Lar is a medical microbiologist whose research covers infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS and malaria, antimicrobial resistance and phytomedicine.
Born in Langtang, Plateau State, she rose through the University of Jos, where she has spent much of her academic career, before her recent stint leading Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, in an acting capacity.
That acting role made her one of the few Nigerian academics to have led two federal universities, and it positioned her for Thursday's historic appointment.
Why the UNIJOS appointment is historic
UNIJOS was established in November 1975, beginning as a campus of the University of Ibadan. In the 51 years since, ten men have held its highest office.
The university's alumni association congratulated Lar on November 12, describing her emergence as a historic milestone that raises hopes for a new era of academic excellence and transformation at the institution.
What happens next
Lar takes over as Professor Ishaya's tenure ends this month. She inherits a university managing the familiar pressures of funding, infrastructure and academic-calendar stability, now with the added weight of a landmark appointment.
Credit: BusinessDay, The Sun and News Agency of Nigeria reports of November 12, 2026.
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