It is often said that whatever has a beginning surely has an end, this maxim has again come to reality in the life of the Second Governing Council of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) as their tenure came to a successful end on Tuesday, 11^th February, 2020.

Recall that the Second Governing Council was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu on Tuesday, 1^st March, 2016 in Abuja following the Federal Government’s dissolution of the First Governing Council and subsequent reconstitution of a new Governing Council for the new Federal Universities on Friday, 12^th February, 2016. The Second Governing Council held its maiden meeting on Wednesday, 23^rd March, 2016 at the Council Chambers, Adankolo Campus.

The Second Governing Council which is the highest policy-making organ of the University was chaired by the Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimpka Briggs OON who is a renowned Professor of Medicine of international repute.  Professor Briggs is a distinguished Gynaecologist and Obstetrician by profession and has received many National and International Awards to his credit. He was a former Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt between 2000 and 2005, having held the same position in acting capacity from 1995 to 1996 and in 2000. Professor Briggs was also a former Chairman, Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities between 2004 and 2005.

Notwithstanding the daunting challenges, the Second Governing Council, no doubt, made some remarkable achievements while steering the murky terrain of a young and dynamic University like FUL. In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Angela Freeman Miri thanked Members of the Second Governing Council especially the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman for providing quality leadership that has brought about many notable feats recorded so far as well as repositioned the University for greatness.

To mark the end of their four-year tenure, the University put together series of activities and events in honour of this group of committed individuals who have distinguished themselves and brought their wealth of experiences to bear in managing and providing leadership direction to the young and promising University. Some of these activities/events included the Regular Meeting of Council held at the Felele Campus, Juma’at Prayer at the University Central Mosque, and Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at the University Auditorium, Adankolo Campus.

Others were farewell visit to the Palace of the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Maikarfi III, visits to the famous Mount Patti where Lord Frederick Lugard lived with Flora Shaw as well as the point where the two great Rivers (Niger and Benue) meet. Moreover, the tour provided window of opportunities on how the University could explore and harness the rich tourism potentials of Lokoja, the confluence city where the University is situated.

The events climaxed in a dinner held on Tuesday, 11^th February, 2020 at the FUL Liaison Office in Abuja and was hosted by the Chancellor of the University, HRH Alh. (Dr.) Muhammadu Ibn Muhammadu Idriss, the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Chiefs and Emirs.

MEMBERS OF THE SECOND GOVERNING COUNCIL (FEBRUARY, 2016 - FEBRUARY, 2020)

For the first two years, the new Governing Council (2nd in the series in the University) had the following membership:

1. Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs - Chairman
2. Professor Angela Freeman Miri - Vice-Chancellor/Member
3. Professor Makanjuola Olayemisi Osagbemi - Deputy Vice-Chancellor/Member
4. Professor Yahaha Shehu External - Member
5. Professor Boniface Ginikanwa Nworgu - External Member
6. Professor Shehu Onipe Bello External - Member
7. Mr. Aliyu Lawal External - Member
8. Mrs Florence Otaru - Rep. Fed Min. of Education
9. Professor Patrick Amidu Audu - Senate Representative
10. Professor David Irefin - Senate Representative
11. Professor Hadi Suberu - Senate Representative
12. Professor Joseph Olorunju Omolehin - Senate Representative
13. Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye - Congregation Representative
14. Mr. Tom Benn Aina - Congregation Representative
15. Mrs Habiba Adeiza - Registrar/Secretary to Council

Following the expiration of the two-year tenure of the internal members, a new set was subsequently elected in 2018 to serve the remaining tenure of Council. The composition of the new Council, following the election of new internal members is as follows:

1. Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs - Chairman
2. Professor Angela Freeman Miri - Vice-Chancellor/Member
3. Professor Makanjuola Olayemisi Osagbemi - Deputy Vice-Chancellor/Member
4. Professor Yahaha Shehu External - Member
5. Professor Boniface Ginikanwa Nworgu - External Member
6. Professor Shehu Onipe Bello - External Member
7. Mr. Aliyu Lawal - External Member
8. Mrs. Florence Otaru - Rep. Fed Min. of Education
9. Professor Patrick Amidu Audu - Senate Representative
10. Professor Matthew Ola-Rotimi Ajayi - Senate Representative
11. Professor Abdullahi Emmanuel Bala - Senate Representative
12. Dr. Francisca Onaolapo Oladipo - Senate Representative
13. Dr. Tajudeen Oladele Ahmed - Congregation Representative
14. Mallam Bashir Muhammed Umar - Congregation Representative
15. Mr. Usman Suleman Obansa, MCIA - Registrar/Secretary to Council

NB: Mr Usman Suleman Obansa replaced Mrs Habiba Adeiza in February 2017 after the expiration of the one-year extension of service she was given as the Registrar and Secretary to Council.

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