UNILORIN alumna, Akanbi, appointed FCE Council Chair
By Temitope Omoniyi
In a move signaled to strengthen the administrative leadership of Nigeria’s premier institution for special education, Amb. Dr (Mrs) Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
A letter signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said that the appointment takes effect from May 12, 2026.
Amb. Akanbi, who obtained her Master and doctorate degrees from the University of Ilorin, brings a wealth of academic and diplomatic experiences to the role.
Having served with distinction as a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, her background in international relations and public policy is expected to provide the Council with a global perspective.
Her leadership is anticipated to bridge the gap between institutional needs and federal policy, ensuring that the College remains a beacon of excellence for students with special needs and the educators who serve them.
She previously served as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and more recently as the Board Chairman of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC). These high-level roles have cemented her reputation as a veteran administrator capable of navigating the complexities of both the university system and the broader secondary education regulatory landscape.
The appointment has been met with widespread optimism across the academic community. Stakeholders believe that Dr. Akanbi’s track record of discipline and her commitment to human capital development will promote a new era of stability and innovation at the College.
