Unijos gets first Female Vice Chancellor – See Who

Professor Patricia Manko Lar, female,has been announced as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, succeeding Prof Ishaya Tanko who’s tenure just elaspsed. Prof Patricia Manko Lar is a distinguished Nigerian academic, renowned medical microbiologist and experienced university administrator whose career reflects decades of commitment to scholarship, research, institutional development and leadership in higher education.

A Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, she has built an impressive academic profile through her contributions to infectious disease research, public health and the advancement of scientific knowledge. She obtained her first degree in Microbiology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before proceeding to the University of Lagos for her postgraduate studies, culminating in a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology and Parasitology.

Throughout her academic career, Professor Lar has distinguished herself through research and professional engagements in critical areas of public health, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, antimicrobial resistance, parasitology and infectious disease surveillance. Her international research exposure includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States, under the NIH-Fogarty programme.

Her scholarship and research interests have contributed to the broader understanding of infectious diseases and the importance of strengthening local research capacity to address public health challenges, particularly in Nigeria and other developing countries. Beyond her academic accomplishments, Professor Lar has demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative capacity.

She served as Head of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Jos and Project Director of the Jos-Carnegie Partnership Project, where she played an important role in institutional capacity development and research advancement. She also served as Secretary-General of the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA), contributing to research management and collaboration across the region. Her leadership journey further advanced with her appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, in 2024.

Professor Lar’s professional achievements have earned her recognition through fellowships, awards and memberships of several national and international professional bodies, including the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation and the American Society for Microbiology. Her career stands as an inspiring example of academic excellence, professional dedication, women’s leadership and institutional service. Through her contributions to medical science, research development, mentorship and university administration, Professor Patricia Manko Lar continues to represent an important figure in Nigeria’s higher education landscape and the advancement of scientific research.