Joint Council and Senate Selection Boards are being constituted across four Nigerian universities as formal processes to appoint new vice chancellors gather momentum amid growing controversy over eligibility criteria.

The University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, the University of Jos, and Abia State University, Uturu, are all running concurrent searches, with two vacancies taking effect on November 1, 2026, and another on December 1, 2026.

At the University of Ibadan, the search for a 14th vice chancellor to succeed Prof. Kayode Adebowale began in April following advertisements signed by Registrar Ganiyu Saliu. Adebowale, who assumed office in October 2021 after a prolonged process involving council dissolution and indigene settler debates, is completing a single five year non renewable tenure. Applications have since closed, though the search team continues encouraging eligible internal candidates to participate.

At Abia State University, the Governing Council inaugurated a five member search team comprising Prof. Anthony Obike, Prof. Mary Iwuagwu, Prof. Sam Agu, Dr Osita Igbe, and Dr Uchenna Kalu as Secretary. Pro Chancellor Dr Agwu Agwu confirmed the exercise aligns with Section 12(2)(b) of the Abia State University Law, with eligibility requiring candidates to hold professorial rank of at least five years' standing with verifiable publications in peer reviewed journals. The incumbent, Prof. Ndukwe J. Okeudo, concludes his two year tenure on October 31, 2026.

The University of Jos held a special congregation meeting on June 9, 2026, to elect search team representatives for a successor to Prof. Tanko Ishaya, whose tenure expires on December 1, 2026. The advertisement required candidates to have spent not less than 15 years of uninterrupted teaching and research experience in a recognised university system, with at least 10 years as a distinguished professor. Applications closed on July 13, 2026, per an advertisement signed by Registrar Rejoice Songden.

LASU opened applications in June for its 10th vice chancellor as Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji Bello approaches the end of her tenure. The process drew criticism after academics faulted the advertisement for omitting a minimum professorial experience threshold. Registrar Emmanuel Fanu defended the wording, noting that "several years" could mean one, two, four or 10 years, and that "there is no written law that stipulates 10 years and above."