The University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, has made history with the appointment of Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its first female Vice-Chancellor.
The appointment, announced on Thursday, November 12, 2026, marks a significant milestone for the institution, as Professor Lar becomes the university’s 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor and the first woman to occupy the prestigious position.
The announcement was made by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, during a special meeting of the university’s 15th Governing Council.
Senator Bent formally presented the appointment letter to Professor Lar and charged her to remain focused as she prepares to lead the institution.
Her emergence comes after a competitive selection process involving several professors who were interested in succeeding the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, whose five-year tenure is coming to an end in November 2026.
Professor Lar was among the candidates who presented their leadership visions during a stakeholders’ interaction organised by the university’s Advancement Office in collaboration with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The engagement provided an opportunity for candidates to address important issues, including university governance, staff and students’ welfare, funding, research, innovation and institutional development.
Her appointment is particularly historic because it breaks a longstanding gender barrier at one of Nigeria’s prominent universities.
As the first female Vice-Chancellor of UNIJOS, expectations will be high as she takes on the responsibility of steering the university through its next phase of academic and administrative development.
The university community will be looking forward to her leadership direction, especially in strengthening academic standards, improving infrastructure, supporting staff and students, and expanding the institution’s research and international reputation.
For many women in academia, Professor Patricia Lar’s appointment is also a powerful reminder that leadership opportunities in higher education continue to evolve.
Congratulations are already in order as UNIJOS welcomes a new chapter in its history.
