AGF Fagbemi Takes Helm of Summit University Governing Council
Ansar-Ud-Deen says Attorney-General emerged through merit-based process as university looks to strengthen governance and academic growth
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has formally assumed a new leadership role in higher education after accepting his appointment as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Summit University, Offa.
The appointment was formally conveyed on Thursday when a delegation from the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, the institution’s proprietor, presented him with his letter of appointment during a ceremony at the Attorney-General’s office in Abuja.
Leading the delegation was the National President of the Society and Visitor to Summit University, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), alongside senior officials of the Society and the university’s management.
They included the Deputy National President, Dr Ibrahim Adebayo Yusuf; Vice-President of the Northern States Council, Alhaji Najeem Yasin; First National Assistant Secretary, Dr Sheu Luqman Sambo; the Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Professor Musa Aibinu; Missioner of the Society’s Abuja Branch, Professor Musa Olaofe; and Chairman of the Abuja Branch, Alhaji Kabiru Olaiyiwola.
Presenting the appointment letter, Prince Adeniji Kazeem said the decision followed what he described as a transparent and merit-based selection process conducted by the Society’s National Executive Council after the office of Pro-Chancellor became vacant.
He said members of the Council unanimously approved Fagbemi’s appointment in recognition of his distinguished legal career, record of public service, professional integrity and longstanding commitment to education.
According to him, the Society believes the Attorney-General’s experience in leadership, public administration and the legal profession would strengthen the University’s governing structures at a time when higher education institutions face increasing demands for innovation, accountability and global competitiveness.
He said the Governing Council, under Fagbemi’s leadership, would be expected to provide strategic oversight for the university’s academic direction, institutional governance, research development and long-term sustainability.
Prince Adeniji Kazeem also commended Fagbemi for what he described as his enduring support for the activities of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, particularly his contributions to educational development and the expansion of the Society’s institutions in Kwara State.
Responding, the Attorney-General expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Society for what he described as the confidence reposed in him.
He said the appointment represented both a privilege and a responsibility, pledging to carry out the duties of the office with diligence, integrity and fairness.
Fagbemi said he would work closely with members of the Governing Council, the university’s management and other stakeholders to advance the institution’s strategic objectives while preserving its founding ideals.
He added that strengthening academic standards, promoting effective governance and supporting the university’s continued growth would remain among his priorities.
Founded by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Summit University was established as part of the organisation’s wider commitment to expanding access to quality education rooted in sound moral values and academic excellence.
The Society, one of Nigeria’s oldest Islamic organisations with a long history of investing in education, established the university to produce graduates equipped with professional competence, ethical leadership and a strong sense of public responsibility.
Over the years, the institution has developed programmes across science, technology, computing, management and the humanities while seeking to position itself among Nigeria’s leading faith-based universities through research, innovation and industry-focused learning.
University authorities have also intensified efforts to strengthen international academic partnerships, expand research capacity and improve teaching standards as competition among private universities continues to grow.
The appointment of a Pro-Chancellor is regarded as one of the university’s most significant governance responsibilities, with the office providing leadership for the Governing Council, overseeing institutional policy and supporting the long-term strategic direction of the university.
By appointing the country’s chief law officer to the position, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society signalled its intention to reinforce the university’s leadership structure as it pursues further academic expansion and institutional development.
The Society said it remained committed to providing stable leadership and strengthening Summit University’s capacity to produce graduates whose knowledge, character and leadership would contribute to national development while enhancing the institution’s standing within Nigeria and beyond.
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