Patricia Lar Becomes First Female VC of University of Jos

The Governing Council of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) appointed Professor Patricia Lar as the institution's 11th substantive vice-chancellor and the first woman to hold this position since the university's establishment. This announcement was made on November 12, 2026, by Senator Grace Folashade Bent, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, during a special meeting of the 15th Governing Council.

Professor Lar, who emerged first among five candidates interviewed, succeeds Professor Tanko Ishaya, whose tenure is ending soon. Lar, born on January 1, 1964, in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, is a Professor of Medical Microbiology at UNIJOS, a role she has held since October 1, 2015.

She has an extensive academic background, including degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Lagos, and has held various administrative positions within the university. Her research focuses on HIV, malaria, and antimicrobial resistance.