A new chapter has begun at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja, as acting vice-chancellor Prof. Patricia Lar officially handed over leadership to her successor, Prof. Matthew Adams. At a ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Prof. lar concluded her six-month tenure, expressing profound gratitude to the university community for their steadfast support during a period of significant change.
Appointed by the federal government on February 6, Prof. Lar successfully stabilized the institution following the ousting of her predecessor. Her key achievements included resolving a protracted two-year crisis involving the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and overseeing a credible council election.
In her farewell address, she thanked the staff for their resilience and urged them to extend the same level of support to the incoming acting vice-chancellor. Prof. Adams’ primary mandate will be to support the governing council in the process of appointing a substantive vice-chancellor for the university.
She apologized to anyone who might have been hurt by her decisions, noting, “Sometimes you have to step on toes to achieve your goals. It was never personal.”
Lar urged the university community to support her successor, particularly on staff welfare issues.
In his address, Prof. Matthew Adams appealed for cooperation, saying, “I can only succeed with your support. Our goal is to appoint a substantive vice-chancellor and restore stability.”
Adams, appointed on Aug. 8 for a three-month term, pledged to focus on staff welfare, promotion, and inclusive leadership.
He lauded Lar’s efforts: “When you came in, the university was in the news for all the wrong reasons.
“Your commitment brought back some stability.”
Adams also welcomed constructive feedback from staff, emphasising that “gossip won’t help, but every sincere suggestion, written or verbal, is appreciated.”
