The Governing Council of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, in Makurdi has appointed Professor Isaac Nathaniel Itodo as the 7th Vice Chancellor with effect from 17th April 2023.
He succeeds Professor Richard Kimbir, whose tenure as VC ended on the 19th of November, 2022.
Announcing the appointment, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Edith Uwajumogwu, said the new VC, a world-class Agricultural engineer, was the first alumnus of the University to be appointed as Vice Chancellor since the University was established in 1988.
Professor Itodo’s appointment makes it the first time in 28 years that a non TIV is appointed the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Uwajumogwu noted that Professor Itodo emerged as the winner among 16 candidates through a credible and open process.
She stated that 18 applications were received in response to the advertisement, and the applicants were screened, and a short list of 16 candidates emerged.
“The choice of Prof. Itodo was unanimous after he emerged with the highest score from the three candidates that the selection committee recommended,” she said.
The Chairman noted that in the process, the university’s interest was put first, emphasising that nobody was under any pressure that was not controllable.
She says, “I hope other Universities will learn from the University. We went for merit and took the best for the University to take its pride of place in the Nigerian University system.”
Born 58 years ago, Professor Isaac Itodo joined the services of the University in 1987. He rose through the ranks and was elevated to the rank of Professor in 2003.
He has served the University in various capacities, including Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Dean of the College of Engineering and Director of Linkages.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary General of Committee of Vice Chancellors of universities in Nigeria, Professor Yakubu Ochefu said Professor Itodo was an outstanding scholar, administrator and a good resource manager who would undoubtedly contribute to the University’s development.
Confidence Okwuchi
