President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, appointed Prof. Patricia Manko Lar as Acting Vice Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University Abuja (formerly known as University of Abuja), for a six-month term.
This was contained in a statement signed by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announcing leadership changes at some federal universities.
Patricia Manko Lar is a Professor of Microbiology. Hereunder are 5 more things to know about her:
1. Professor Patricia Lar served as a Professor at the University of Jos since 2015. She has contributed extensively to research, teaching, and administration in medical microbiology, with a strong focus on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and phytomedicine.
2. She has conducted groundbreaking research on HIV, malaria, schistosomiasis, and antimicrobial resistance, with funding from institutions like NIH-Fogarty, TETFUND, and ACU. Her work on the genomic characterisation of viral and bacterial pathogens has significantly contributed to disease surveillance and public health in Nigeria.
3. She is the Acting Director of Linkages (2014-2017), and Senate Representative at the University of Jos. She was also a Governing Council Member of Plateau State University and Plateau State Polytechnic.
4. she is also the Secretary General of West African Research Management Association (WARMA)
5. Professor Patricia Lar has received multiple national and international awards, including being a Fellow of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) and NIH-Fogarty Fellow. She has also received merit awards for teaching excellence and was honoured for her contributions to women in science and education.