Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The race to appoint the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, has attracted attention following the emergence of Professor Patricia Lar among the academics seeking to lead the institution.
Lar is among the professors who participated in a stakeholders’ engagement organised as part of discussions surrounding the university’s leadership transition.
The development has drawn interest because the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor will determine the institution’s administrative and academic direction following the completion of Professor Tanko Ishaya’s tenure.
However, claims circulating online that Lar has already been appointed as the university’s first female Vice-Chancellor could not be independently verified as of November 12, 2026.
The available information indicates that the selection process was still underway in the university’s most recent official clarification.
Patricia Lar Among Professors Seeking UNIJOS Leadership Position
According to reports published by Nigerian media organisations, Lar was among the professors who attended an interactive session organised by the University of Jos Advancement Office in collaboration with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The engagement took place at the ASUU Secretariat on the university’s Naraguta Campus on November 9, 2026.
Other professors identified as participants included Ikonne Ogaji, Victor Duga, Sati Fwatshak, Anthony Dakum, Bernard Matur and Simon Yiltok.
The candidates were given opportunities to present their leadership visions and respond to questions concerning their proposed approaches to managing the university.
The discussions provided stakeholders with an opportunity to examine the candidates’ priorities and expectations for the institution’s future.
Punch reported that at least eight professors were competing for the position, although seven were identified among those who attended the engagement. Punch Newspapers +1
ASUU Highlights Stakeholder Participation
The interactive session was designed to encourage greater participation by members of the university community in discussions about the institution’s leadership and future development.
Speaking during the engagement, ASUU Chairman Professor Joseph Molwus explained the importance of giving stakeholders an opportunity to interact with the candidates.
The engagement provided a platform for academics and other members of the university community to assess the aspirants’ understanding of the challenges facing the institution.
Issues surrounding university administration, institutional development and leadership priorities formed part of the discussions.
The involvement of ASUU and the Advancement Office also highlighted the importance of consultation in university governance.
Stakeholder participation is particularly important during leadership transitions because decisions made by university management can influence teaching, research, staff welfare and students’ academic experiences.
Professor Tanko Ishaya’s Tenure Nears Completion
The selection process comes as the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, approaches its conclusion.
Ishaya assumed office on December 1, 2021, following his appointment by the university’s Governing Council.
His appointment was for a single five-year term, according to reports published when he emerged as Vice-Chancellor.
The university’s official website also identifies him as the institution’s current Vice-Chancellor and records his tenure as beginning on December 1, 2021. Punch Newspapers +1
His departure will mark another leadership transition for the institution, which has had several Vice-Chancellors since becoming a full-fledged university in 1975.
The next administration will inherit responsibility for sustaining the university’s academic programmes, strengthening research, improving institutional management and addressing the expectations of students and employees.
University Previously Clarified Selection Procedure
The appointment process has also attracted attention following an official clarification issued by the University of Jos on November 1, 2026.
In the statement, the university explained that the process for selecting a new Vice-Chancellor was governed by the provisions of the University of Jos Act.
It disclosed that the vacancy had been advertised on June 1, 2026, in two national newspapers, Leadership and Vanguard.
The university further clarified that the responsibility for selecting the next Vice-Chancellor rests with its Governing Council rather than the incumbent Vice-Chancellor.
The statement was signed electronically by Dr Rejoice James Songden, Registrar and Secretary to Council.
The institution maintained that the selection process was ongoing and urged members of the public to rely on its official communication channels for accurate information.
The clarification is important because it establishes that the candidates’ participation in stakeholder engagements should not be confused with a final appointment decision. University of Jos – Nigeria +1
What the New Vice-Chancellor Will Be Expected to Address
The incoming Vice-Chancellor will assume responsibility for leading one of Nigeria’s established public universities.
Among the issues requiring attention are institutional development, academic standards, research funding, staff welfare, student welfare and the condition of university infrastructure.
The university will also need leadership capable of strengthening relationships between management, academic staff, students and other stakeholders.
The selection process has generated discussions about the qualities required to manage the institution effectively.
Beyond academic qualifications and professional experience, the next Vice-Chancellor will be expected to demonstrate administrative competence, transparency and the ability to develop policies that support the university’s long-term objectives.
For students, the leadership transition could influence the administration of academic programmes, campus facilities and policies affecting their university experience.
For academic and non-academic employees, the incoming administration’s approach to staff welfare, institutional management and working conditions will also be significant.
Why Patricia Lar’s Candidacy Matters
Lar’s participation in the selection process adds a female academic to the group of professors seeking the university’s top leadership position.
Her candidacy has attracted attention amid broader discussions about women’s representation in senior leadership positions within Nigerian higher education.
However, her participation should be distinguished from an actual appointment.
If selected, she would make history as the institution’s first female Vice-Chancellor, based on the reported historical leadership record of the university.
Until the Governing Council formally announces its decision, however, the claim that she has secured the position remains unconfirmed.
The development also highlights the importance of ensuring that leadership appointments in public universities are reported accurately, particularly when claims of historic appointments begin circulating before official confirmation.
What Happens Next?
The next major development will be the conclusion of the selection process by the University of Jos Governing Council and the formal announcement of the successful candidate.
The university’s November 1 statement confirmed that the selection procedure was ongoing.
As of November 12, 2026, Weng Global could not independently establish an official announcement confirming Professor Patricia Lar’s appointment.
The university community and other stakeholders will therefore be watching for the Governing Council’s final decision as the institution prepares for a new administration.
The eventual appointment will determine who succeeds Professor Tanko Ishaya and takes responsibility for guiding the University of Jos into its next phase of academic and institutional development.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- University of Jos – Official clarification on the Vice-Chancellor selection process, November 1, 2026.
- University of Jos – Official advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor position, June 1, 2026.
- Punch – Eight Professors Jostle for UNIJOS VC Seat, November 10, 2026.
- The Nigeria Standard – Eight Professors Contest UNIJOS VC Position, November 10, 2026.
- Premium Times – Seven UNIJOS Professors Vie for VC Seat Amid Student Welfare Concerns, November 10, 2026.
