Something remarkable has happened at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, as the institution becomes the first and only university in Nigeria to have all five of its principal leadership positions occupied by women!
The historic development follows the recent appointment of Professor Patricia Manko Lar as the university’s first female Vice-Chancellor by the University Council, completing an entirely women-led top management structure.
With this appointment, five distinguished women now occupy the university’s most important statutory leadership positions, marking a significant milestone for women’s representation in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Leading the Governing Council as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman is Senator Grace Folashade Bent, who oversees the university’s highest policy-making body. Professor Lar serves as Vice-Chancellor, responsible for the institution’s overall academic and administrative leadership.
Also on the leadership team is Dr. Rejoice Songden, who serves as Registrar and Secretary to the Council and Senate. Mrs. Victoria M. Mankilik, a Fellow of the Certified National Accountants, occupies the position of Bursar, overseeing the university’s financial affairs, while Professor Victoria Ladi Lawal serves as University Librarian.
Together, these five women occupy the positions of Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar and University Librarian.
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What makes this achievement particularly extraordinary is that no other federal, state or private university in Nigeria currently has women simultaneously occupying all five principal statutory positions.
The development has been described as a landmark for gender inclusion in the Nigerian university system, demonstrating the growing presence of women in positions of institutional authority, academic leadership and decision-making.
Beyond the remarkable appointments, UNIJOS has created an inspiring moment for women in education and professional leadership across the country.
It is a powerful reminder that women can lead, shape institutions and occupy the highest levels of responsibility.
For the University of Jos, this is more than a leadership transition. It is a historic chapter that places the institution at the forefront of women’s representation in Nigerian higher education.
