The Governing Council of the University of Abuja—now Yakubu Gowon University—had appointed a new Vice Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi. A name that, until now, had largely lived in quiet conversations, was suddenly placed at the centre of our collective future.

The announcement came during the Council’s 80th Extraordinary Meeting. It should have inspired renewed hope, yet it stirred a familiar unease. As Dr. Habib Yakoob, the acting Head of Information, read the statement, my thoughts drifted to the long stretch of uncertainty that had gripped the university. For years, acting Vice Chancellors appointed from above tried to steady an institution that once stood stronger. The controversies surrounding Professor Aisha Maikudi still lingered, leaving many unsure of what lay ahead.

Professor Fawehinmi arrives with an impressive academic and administrative background. His experience spans the Nigerian British University and the University of Port Harcourt, where he served as Head of Anatomy, Associate Dean, and Dean. His scholarship in Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology, along with patents and professional recognition, speaks to a career grounded in excellence. Yet, many of us wonder—will such achievements translate into the compassionate leadership this community needs?

His service on important national and international committees offers reassurance, but questions remain. Will he see students not just as figures in reports, but as individuals seeking guidance, support, and a sense of belonging?

Meanwhile, the extension of Professor Mathew Adamu’s tenure as Acting Vice Chancellor until February 10, 2026, feels like a pause between chapters—steady, but uncertain. We wait while holding onto the familiar, unsure of what this new beginning may bring.

As Professor Fawehinmi prepares to take the helm, I find myself hoping not for perfection, but for empathy, clarity, and a genuine connection with the university community. This moment of transition carries both vulnerability and possibility. Perhaps, with thoughtful leadership, we can move beyond the shadows of the past toward a future that feels more stable, more inclusive, and truly ours.