Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has officially taken over as chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Ogundipe was inaugurated on Friday at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja, where he received his letter of appointment.

President Bola Tinubu had appointed him to the position on June 22, following the resignation of Prof. Olufemi Aina, who stepped down less than a year after assuming office.

At the time of the appointment, the Presidency said Ogundipe would lead the NUC governing board with a focus on improving university funding, strengthening academic standards and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

Speaking after his inauguration, Ogundipe thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work towards improving the country’s university system.

He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, saying the commission would build on the foundation already laid.

Ogundipe said his priority is to ensure that degrees awarded by Nigerian universities are respected internationally, stressing that graduates should be able to compete confidently anywhere in the world.

Drawing from his experience in academia, he noted that greater investment in research, innovation and entrepreneurship is essential to raising the standard of higher education across the country.

He added that expanding access to quality university education while maintaining the credibility of academic qualifications would remain central to the commission’s work.

Addressing students, Ogundipe said they remain the primary focus of ongoing reforms, expressing optimism that a stronger university system would contribute to Nigeria’s long-term development