The appointment signals a new chapter for the commission as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen quality assurance, improve access to higher education, and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
Professor Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who stepped down from the position less than a year after his appointment.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the Presidency, the appointment is part of ongoing efforts to advance reforms within the education sector and ensure greater institutional stability across Nigeria's tertiary education landscape.
“Professor Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned his appointment after less than one year in office,” the statement said.
The Presidency further explained that the new chairman would play a critical role in guiding the commission's strategic direction.
“He will oversee the regulatory body of the Nigerian university system, focusing on funding, global competitiveness and academic stability,” the statement added.
The government also emphasized that the appointment aligns with broader efforts to improve standards and strengthen confidence in the nation's higher education system.
“The appointment is aimed at advancing quality, access, and integrity in the education sector,” the statement noted.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogundipe's capacity to provide effective leadership and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of tertiary education in the country.
“President Tinubu expects Professor Ogundipe to provide visionary leadership at the National Universities Commission and sustain the credibility of the Nigerian university system in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement said.
Professor Ogundipe brings decades of academic and administrative experience to the role. He served as Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos from 2017 to 2022, overseeing major academic and infrastructural developments during his tenure.
A distinguished scholar in the field of Botany, his areas of specialization include molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany and ecological conservation. His contributions to scientific research have earned him recognition both within Nigeria and internationally.
Ogundipe obtained his doctorate degree in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Lagos, combining scientific expertise with administrative and management training.
The 66-year-old academic currently serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, where he continues to contribute to higher education governance and institutional development.
Throughout his career, he has been affiliated with several prestigious professional and scientific bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London and the Royal Society of Biology.
Beyond academia, Ogundipe has held leadership positions in scientific and policy-oriented institutions. He previously served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council.
His appointment comes at a crucial time for Nigeria's university sector, which continues to grapple with challenges relating to funding, infrastructure, research capacity, accreditation standards and international rankings. Stakeholders are expected to look to the new NUC board chairman to help drive policies that will strengthen academic excellence and position Nigerian universities more competitively on the global stage.