UNIABUJA Appoints Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi as New VC
The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), under the chairmanship of Distinguished Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, has approved the appointment of Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.
The announcement was made during the 80th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on Friday, 7th November 2025. The appointment takes effect from Tuesday, 10th February 2026, and is for a single, non-renewable term of five years.
Professor Fawehinmi currently serves as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University, a private tertiary institution located in Abia State.
Leadership Transition at UNIABUJA
The Council also approved an extension of the tenure of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, until 10th February 2026. Professor Adamu was first appointed by the Federal Government on 11th August 2025. The Council’s resolutions followed thorough deliberation at its 80th Extraordinary Meeting.
Profile of Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi
Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi is a distinguished Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology with a strong background in academic leadership and medical education. His career spans several decades of teaching, research, and university administration.
He previously served at the University of Port Harcourt as:
- Head of Department of Anatomy (2005–2007; 2007–2009)
- Associate Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2010–2012)
- Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2012–2014)
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (2016–2020)
His administrative experience covers service on several statutory and ad-hoc committees and university boards. These roles have strengthened his leadership abilities and understanding of governance within higher education.
Professional Contributions and Achievements
Professor Fawehinmi has been actively involved in professional bodies both locally and internationally. He has served as:
- Secretary-General and Member, National Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State (1999–2000)
- Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Anatomical Sciences
- President, Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (2014–2016)
He holds Fellowships from the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI) and the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (FAMedS).
A prolific researcher, he has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 37 conference abstracts, alongside participation in more than 70 conferences, workshops, and training sessions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
He has supervised over 100 undergraduate projects, 15 master’s dissertations, and 13 doctoral theses. His 2014 inaugural lecture at the University of Port Harcourt, titled “Different Tailors for the Same People; Same Surgeon for Different People,” remains highly referenced.
Professor Fawehinmi has attracted national and international research grants and holds a Federal Government patent for his design of the AMRG Anthropometry Chair for dimensional body measurement. He has also contributed to numerous Memoranda of Understanding between universities and industry partners worldwide.
Cited in the 2021 Africa Scientist Rankings by the Alper-Doger Scientific Index, Professor Fawehinmi continues to serve as an external examiner and assessor for many first- and second-generation universities, including the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.
He is married to Dr. Hadeezat O. Fawehinmi, a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, and they are blessed with five children.
Closing Note
UNIABUJA welcomes Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi as its new Vice-Chancellor, confident that his leadership experience and academic depth will further strengthen the university’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, and character development.