1 Sep 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: CITY UNIVERSITY ABUJA
- Research Field: Management sciences; Computer science; Economics; Educational sciences; Communication sciences; Economics
Offer Description
City University is a National University Commission-licensed postgraduate private university in the Central Business District of Abuja, Nigeria (9 KMs to the Presidential State House, 5 KMs from the British High Commission, 4.5 KMs from the Embassy of the United States), committed to world-class teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. We seek a distinguished, visionary, and entrepreneurial academic leader to serve as the founding Vice Chancellor. Preferably European. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build an institution from the ground up. You will provide strategic and academic leadership, shape the university’s culture and brand, drive resource mobilisation, secure accreditation, and position the university as a premier destination for higher education in Nigeria and globally. Your legacy will define the institution for generations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Academic Leadership
- Articulate and execute a compelling 10 year strategic plan aligned with the National Policy on Education and global best practices.
- Oversee the establishment of all academic faculties, departments, and postgraduate schools.
- Ensure NUC resource verification and full accreditation for all programmes.
- Foster a research culture, promote innovation, and drive internationalisation (linkages, student/faculty exchange, joint programmes).
- Champion digital transformation and blended learning.
Governance & Administration
- Serve as the chief executive officer of the university; preside over Senate, Management Committee, and other statutory bodies.
- Advise the Governing Council on academic, financial, and staffing matters.
- Establish transparent administrative structures, policies, and procedures.
- Lead the recruitment of key officers: Deputy Vice Chancellors, Deans, Registrar, Bursar, Librarian.
Financial & Resource Management
- Develop and manage the university’s annual budget; ensure financial sustainability and cost discipline.
- Lead aggressive resource mobilisation: tuition optimisation, grants, endowments, alumni giving, consultancy services, and private sector partnerships.
- Oversee infrastructure development (lecture theatres, laboratories, library, hostels, sports facilities) in coordination with the Council and project team.
External Engagement & Reputation
- Build strong relationships with NUC, other regulatory bodies, Ministry of Education, and professional accreditation agencies.
- Represent the university at national and international forums, conferences, and diplomatic events.
- Forge strategic partnerships with industry, development organisations (World Bank, UNESCO, etc.), and foreign universities.
- Serve as the public face of the university, driving branding, admissions, and visibility.
Student & Staff Welfare
- Ensure a conducive environment for teaching, learning, research, and character development.
- Oversee fair staff recruitment, promotion, and welfare policies.
- Maintain zero tolerance for academic corruption and indiscipline.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
- Must have lectured at a reputable business school or university in Central London.
- A PhD in any discipline recognised by the NUC, with evidence of sustained scholarly achievement.
- Professor rank for at least 10 years in a reputable university.
- Demonstrable experience as a Vice Chancellor (substantive or acting) OR at least 4 years as a Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) or equivalent (e.g., Provost of a college, Rector of a polytechnic with proven academic leadership) in a recognised, accredited institution – mandatory.
- Strong track record of attracting research grants, generating external funding, and managing institutional budgets.
- Proven experience in NUC accreditation processes, including resource verification and full accreditation of multiple programmes.
- Evidence of national and international recognition (academic prizes, fellowships, editorial roles, distinguished lectureships).
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead senior academic teams, councils, and senates.
Desirable:
- Experience as founding Vice Chancellor or in establishing a new university or campus.
- Strong network within Nigerian higher education (Committee of VCs, NUC, TETFund, NBTE) and international university networks (AAU, IAU, ACU).
- Postgraduate qualifications in university leadership/administration (e.g., MBA, PG Dip in Higher Education Management).
- Proven record of public-private partnership (PPP) success and infrastructure development.
- Active membership in professional bodies (e.g., NAE, NAM, NMC, etc.) and membership in international academic societies.
Skills & Competencies
- Visionary Leadership: Ability to inspire and align diverse stakeholders (Council, Senate, students, staff, government) around a shared ambitious vision.
- Strategic Thinking: Deep understanding of global higher education trends, Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape, and private university challenges.
- Financial Acumen: Capacity to prepare, defend, and manage multimillion-naira budgets; experience with TETFund proposals, endowment management, and revenue diversification.
- Diplomacy & Political Savvy: Ability to navigate relationships with the Proprietor, Council, government officials, donors, and community leaders with integrity and tact.
- Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication; persuasive public speaking and media engagement skills.
- Governance Experience: Mastery of university statutes, ordinances, and committee systems; experience with union negotiations and conflict resolution.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Capacity to identify non tuition revenue streams (consultancy, executive education, research parks, etc.).
- Unquestionable Integrity: High moral and ethical standing; no criminal or disciplinary record from any previous institution.
Salary & Benefits
An executive-level, highly competitive remuneration package commensurate with the status and responsibilities of a founding Vice Chancellor. This includes:
- Very competitive base salary
- Official vehicle with driver
- Annual international travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Relocation assistance
Requirements
Additional Information
STATUS: EXPIRED
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