The Federal Government has approved the appointment of Professor Haruna Faruk Abdulrasheed as the substantive and first Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, in Niger State.

Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Professor Francis Adedayo Faduyile, announced the appointment during a press briefing in Minna over the weekend.

According to Faduyile, the decision was reached at the fifth meeting of the Governing Council, held on October 24, 2025, where members deliberated on filling the vacant position of Vice-Chancellor.

He explained that an advert for the position was published on August 27, 2025, with a six-week window for applications, which closed on October 8, 2025. Six candidates applied for the role.

To ensure due process, the Council constituted a search team to identify potential qualified professors from other universities who might not have applied on their own. However, after visits to three institutions, no additional candidates were found.

The Governing Council then established a Joint Council and Senate Selection Board to conduct interviews, review credentials, and shortlist three candidates from the six applicants for final consideration.

“The Selection Board held several meetings and, on October 21, 2025, conducted interviews with the six candidates, with representatives of the Federal Character Commission in attendance to ensure transparency. Resource persons were also invited to support the process,” Faduyile said.

He added that the three candidates with the highest scores were forwarded to the Council, which unanimously selected Professor Haruna Faruk Abdulrasheed, who topped the list, as the Vice-Chancellor.

“I am pleased to inform the public and the Kontagora community, as well as the people of Niger State, that Professor Haruna Faruk Abdulrasheed has been appointed as the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Kontagora,” Faduyile declared.

He stated that the new Vice-Chancellor is expected to assume office on November 4, 2025.

The Chairman appreciated the immediate past Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Yakub, for effectively managing the affairs of the university during the selection process.

He also commended the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board for conducting a thorough and transparent exercise and congratulated Professor Abdulrasheed on his appointment.