The University of Jos has appointed Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its Vice Chancellor, making her the first woman to occupy the position in the history of the institution.
Professor Lar succeeds Professor Tanko Ishaya.
According to a statement issued by the University on Thursday, “Professor Patricia Mamko Lar formally takes over from Professor Tanko Ishaya FBCS FNCS as the 11th Substantive and 1st female Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos.”
The statement added: “Professor Patricia Lar is the 11th Substantive and 1st female Vice Chancellor of the University.”
The appointment was announced on Thursday, 12th November, 2026, during a Special Meeting of the 15th Governing Council of the University.
“The announcement was made by Senator Grace Folashade Bent CON, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council during the Special meeting of the 15th Governing Council of Thursday 12th November 2026,” the statement said.
Presenting the letter of appointment to the new Vice Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor charged her to be focused.
“Presenting the letter of appointment to Professor Patricia Lar, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Jos, Senator Grace Folashade Bent CON charged the incoming Vice Chancellor to be focused,” the statement said.
The statement, signed by Emmanuel Madugu, ANIPR, Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, _For: Registrar/Secretary to Council_, concluded: “Details shortly.”
Professor Lar’s appointment marks a historic milestone for the University of Jos, which was founded in 1971 and had never had a female substantive Vice-Chancellor until now.
She is a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, a position she has held since 2015. She previously served as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly the University of Abuja, for a six-month term.
