The Federal Government has announced the appointment of Professor Farouk Haruna as the first substantive Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, in Niger State.
The decision was made public by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Professor Francis Faduyile, following the Council’s fifth meeting held in Kontagora.
Speaking to journalists, Professor Faduyile revealed that Professor Haruna emerged as the top candidate after a thorough and competitive selection process involving six shortlisted applicants. He explained that the new Vice Chancellor possesses extensive academic and administrative experience, having previously served as Acting Vice Chancellor, Provost, and Chairman of the Committee of Provosts.
According to the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Haruna is expected to officially assume office on Monday, November 4, 2025.
Addressing concerns about safety in the area, Faduyile assured staff, students, and parents that Kontagora remains a peaceful and secure environment suitable for learning and residence. “I have been to Kontagora several times. It is peaceful, and people live and work there without fear. The university environment is safe and conducive for students,” he stated.
He further highlighted the institution’s rapid development, describing it as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing teacher education universities, boasting a significant number of Ph.D. holders and state-of-the-art educational facilities.
Originally founded as a College of Education, the institution was elevated to the status of a Federal University of Education in 2021 and began admitting its first set of students in March 2025. With Professor Haruna’s appointment, the Federal University of Education, Kontagora now has its first substantive leadership, marking a new phase in its pursuit of academic excellence and institutional stability.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has congratulated Professor Haruna on his appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the university. In a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described Professor Haruna as a seasoned academic whose appointment is both well-deserved and timely.
Governor Bago praised the newly appointed Vice Chancellor’s proven record of innovation and leadership, noting that he possesses the capacity and competence required to elevate the institution’s reputation. He also commended the Federal Government for the appointment and pledged his administration’s full support to ensure the new Vice Chancellor’s success.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 2021, the Federal University of Education, Kontagora officially commenced operations in March 2025, following its transformation from the former Federal College of Education, where Professor Rasheed Haruna had previously served as Provost.
What You Should Know
Professor Farouk Haruna’s appointment as the first substantive Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, marks a crucial milestone in the institution’s evolution from a college to a full-fledged university.
With his wealth of academic and administrative experience, his leadership is expected to strengthen the university’s academic programs and enhance its standing as a premier teacher education institution in Nigeria.
