The Governing Council of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has appointed Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor, making her the first woman to occupy the position since the institution was established.
Lar succeeds Professor Tanko Ishaya, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor is nearing its end.
The appointment was announced on Thursday, November 12, 2026, by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, during a special meeting of the 15th Governing Council.
A statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, on behalf of the Registrar and Secretary to Council, said the appointment letter was presented to the incoming Vice-Chancellor at the meeting.
Presenting the letter, Bent charged Lar to remain focused in the discharge of her responsibilities and the leadership of the institution.
The appointment marks a historic milestone for UNIJOS, with Lar becoming the first female Vice-Chancellor and the 11th substantive head of the university.
Born on January 1, 1964, in Langtang, Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Lar is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology in 1986.
She obtained her master’s degree in 1989 and doctorate in 1998 from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
The new Vice-Chancellor was appointed Professor of Medical Microbiology by the University of Jos on October 1, 2015.
She is a member of several professional organisations, including the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Medical Scientists, Nigerian Association of Women Academics, Nigerian Society for Microbiology, American Society for Microbiology and the Third World Organisation of Women in Science.
She also serves as a member and Secretary-General of the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA).
Lar previously served as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja.
Reacting to her appointment, the Global President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, Dr Shamaki Gad, described her emergence as a historic achievement and a source of pride to the university community.
Gad said her appointment represented a new chapter in the institution’s leadership journey and reflected the growing recognition of women’s contributions to academic leadership and institutional governance.
He expressed confidence that her academic accomplishments, professional experience and leadership qualities would provide the vision needed to advance the university.
He added that alumni, students, staff and other stakeholders looked forward to a transformative administration under her leadership.
