UNIJOS appoints Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its first female Vice-Chancellor, making history as the university’s 11th substantive leader

The University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, has appointed Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor, making her the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment.

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The university announced the appointment on Thursday, November 12, 2026, following a special meeting of its 15th Governing Council.

Lar succeeds Professor Tanko Ishaya, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor has come to an end.

According to a statement issued by the university, the announcement was made by Senator Grace Folashade Bent, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

The statement described Lar as the institution’s 11th substantive and first female Vice-Chancellor.

“Professor Patricia Mamko Lar formally takes over from Professor Tanko Ishaya FBCS FNCS as the 11th Substantive and 1st female Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos,” the statement read.

During the presentation of her appointment letter, Bent charged the incoming Vice-Chancellor to remain focused as she prepares to assume leadership of the institution.

The statement was signed by Emmanuel Madugu, Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the Registrar and Secretary to Council.

Lar is a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, where she has held the professorial position since 2015.

She also previously served as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly known as the University of Abuja, for a six-month period.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone for UNIJOS, which was established in 1971 and had never had a woman serve as its substantive Vice-Chancellor.

As the university’s first female leader, Lar takes on the responsibility of steering its academic and administrative affairs while building on the work of previous administrations.

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The institution said further details about the appointment would be made available shortly.