Meet Prof. Matthew Adamu, veterinary scholar and new Acting Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja

Professor Matthew Adamu, a distinguished veterinary expert, has been appointed by the Federal Government as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now officially renamed Yakubu Gowon University

This appointment marks another chapter in his long-standing commitment to academic excellence and institutional leadership.

Background

Professor Matthew Adamu began his academic journey in 1988 and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1998 from the University of Maiduguri.

He went on to obtain a Master of Science in 2006 from the same institution and later earned his PhD in Veterinary Surgery from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2012.

In 2019, he became a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria and was promoted to full Professor, specialising in Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology (Helminthology).

His 27-year career spans teaching, research, extension services, and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Career journey

Adamu began his professional career as a Youth Corps Veterinarian and Corps Liaison Officer in Dan Musa, Katsina State, before moving into private practice in Minna, Niger State.

In 2006, he joined the Nigeria Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research in Kaduna and later transitioned to the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University), rising from Lecturer II to Professor.

Leadership roles

He has served as Head of the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Deputy Dean, Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Notably, he has twice acted as Vice-Chancellor at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University during transitional periods.

National and International contributions

Professor Adamu is the current President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and has served as an external examiner for universities across Nigeria and at the University of Limpopo, South Africa.

He has participated in NUC and NBTE accreditation exercises and contributed to veterinary curriculum development in Zuru, Kebbi State.

Achievements

With over 50 scholarly publications, he also holds a South African patent for an “Anthelmintic Medicament.” His PhD thesis earned the Bronze Medal for Best Thesis from the South African Association of Botanists in 2015.

His academic collaborations have taken him to countries including the United States, Spain, South Africa, Lesotho, The Gambia, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Appointment

In August 2025, the Federal Government appointed Professor Matthew Adamu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University.