The Senate of the University of Jos has elected Professor Pic Charles Onwochei as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) for the 2024/2025 academic session. The election took place on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, during the institution’s 4th Special Senate Meeting.
The meeting, presided over by the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, followed due process in line with the laws guiding the institution. The Vice-Chancellor had presented two nominees for consideration—Professor Pic Charles Onwochei and Professor Ishmael Ogboru.
In a surprising but unifying move, Professor Ishmael Ogboru announced that he was stepping down from the race in support of Professor Onwochei. His withdrawal paved the way for a unanimous decision by Senate members to adopt Professor Onwochei as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
The appointment takes immediate effect and is for a renewable term of two years. However, in accordance with the university’s statutes, it remains subject to ratification by the University’s Governing Council.
Professor Onwochei, a respected scholar from Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, is a Professor of Religion and Philosophy with deep expertise in Ethics and Philosophy. His academic footprint in the field spans decades of research, teaching, and mentorship.
He has also distinguished himself administratively, having served in several notable capacities within the institution. These include Head of the Department of Religion and Philosophy and Director of the Directorate of Basic and Advanced Studies (DBAS)—a position he held until this election.
Colleagues describe Professor Onwochei as an administrator with a calm disposition, strong ethical grounding, and a reputation for building consensus across academic and non-academic divides. Many believe his background in ethics positions him to strengthen decision-making processes within the university’s management structure.
The election is viewed as a strategic step toward enhancing administrative stability in the institution, particularly as UNIJOS continues efforts to strengthen academic delivery, research output, and institutional governance.
Sources within the Senate noted that the atmosphere during the meeting was cordial, with members commending the transparency of the process and the maturity displayed by all nominees involved.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence in the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), emphasizing that Professor Onwochei’s experience and leadership qualities will significantly support the university’s ongoing reforms.
Professor Onwochei is married to Dr. Modupe Onwochei, and both are widely regarded for their contributions to academic development and mentorship.
The announcement was formally conveyed in a statement signed by Emmanuel Madugu, Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications, on behalf of the Registrar on 24 November 2025.
With his assumption of office, stakeholders within and outside the university will be watching keenly to see how Professor Onwochei brings his ethical scholarship and administrative experience to bear on the future direction of the University of Jos.
