The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has appointed Professor Patricia Mamko Lar as its first female Vice-Chancellor, marking a historic development in the institution’s 55-year history.

Her appointment was announced on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during a special meeting of the university’s 15th Governing Council.

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Lar succeeds Professor Tanko Ishaya, becoming the 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution and the first woman to hold the position since its establishment in 1971.

A statement issued by the university said the announcement was made by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, who also presented the new Vice-Chancellor with her letter of appointment.

During the presentation, Bent charged Lar to remain focused in the discharge of her responsibilities.

The statement was signed by Emmanuel Madugu, Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the Registrar and Secretary to Council.

Lar is a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, where she has held the professorial position since 2015.

She previously served as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja, formerly known as the University of Abuja, for a six-month period.

Her appointment represents a significant milestone for UNIJOS, as the institution welcomes its first female substantive Vice-Chancellor more than five decades after its founding.