Prof. Patricia Manko Lar is a renowned scholar, researcher, and academic leader who has been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja (formerly the University of Abuja) by President Bola Tinubu.
With an illustrious career in medical microbiology and higher education administration, Prof. Lar has made significant contributions to research, mentorship, and gender equity in academia.
Her leadership is expected to bring academic excellence, innovation, and institutional growth to the university during this transitional period.
Profile details
Name: Patricia Manko Lar
Born: January 1, 1964
Place of birth: Plateau State, Nigeria
Education: Ahmadu Bello University
Religion: Muslim
Relationship status: Married
Career: Academic scholar
Early life
Prof. Lar was born on January 1, 1964 in Plateau State, Nigeria into a family that valued education and service, being the second child of Late Honorable Henry J. Burromvyat and Honorable Cecilia Jummai Burromvyat.
Academic journey
She began her academic journey at Saint Theresa Girls Primary School in Jos, later transferring to the Local School Board Primary School, Riyom.
Her secondary education took place at the prestigious Gindiri Girls High School (GHS), where she obtained her GCE in 1981. She then proceeded to the School of Basic Studies (SBS) in Zaria, earning her A-levels in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
Her passion for microbiology led her to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where she obtained a B.Sc. in Microbiology in 1986.
After completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Gongola State (now Adamawa), she embarked on a journey of academic excellence, joining the University of Jos in 1987 as a Graduate Assistant.
Furthering her education, she earned an M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology from the University of Lagos College of Medicine and later obtained a Ph.D. in Medical Parasitology from the same institution.
Between 2003 and 2005, she undertook advanced studies at the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, USA, under the NIH-Fogarty AITRP program, focusing on leadership in AIDS research.
Academic Career
Prof. Lar’s career at the University of Jos has been marked by steady progress and remarkable achievements.
Rising through the ranks, she became an Associate Professor in 2012 and was promoted to Professor of Medical Microbiology in October 2015.
A dedicated researcher, she has published over 34 scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals and has supervised over 100 undergraduate and numerous postgraduate research projects.
She has served as an external examiner for several Nigerian universities and has been an assessor for professorial promotions.
Her contributions to academia extend beyond teaching and research. From 2008 to 2013, she was the Project Director of the University of Jos-Carnegie Corporation of New York partnership project, where she played a pivotal role in:
Digitizing student record to streamline transcript issuance
Developing the University of Jos Research Policy and establishing the Office of Research (ORD)
Advancing gender equity policies and student involvement in university decision-making
Promoting e-learning and ICT capacity building within the institution
From 2013 to 2017, she served as the Director of Linkages at the University of Jos, fostering collaborations between the university and international institutions.
She also held leadership roles as Head of the Microbiology Department at both the University of Jos and Plateau State University, Bokkos.
Professional affiliations
Prof. Lar is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including:
- Society of Research Administrators International (SRAi)
- South African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA)
- West Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) – Secretary General
- Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) – Former Assistant Secretary General
- Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM)
- American Society of Microbiology (ASM)
She currently serves on the SARIMA Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI) Project Management Committee and as the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officer for the University of Jos Africa Center for Excellence in Phytomedicine (ACEPRD).
Advocacy
A passionate advocate for women’s leadership and empowerment, Prof. Lar has been actively involved in various women’s organizations, including:
Higher Education Resource Program (HERSA Academy), Cape Town – 2008
International Women Leadership Forum (IWF), USA – 2010-2011
Zumutan Matan Ekklesia (ZME), COCIN Chaplaincy
Total Woman Foundation (TOWOF)
National Association of Women Academics (NAWACS)
Third World Organization of Women in Science (TWOS)
Nigeria Women Networks for Sustainable Development (NWNSD) – Trustee
Awards
Her dedication to academia, research, and community service has earned her several awards, including:
- Taroh Man of the Year Award (TAMOTYA), 2018
- Women Achievers Award, Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies, UNIJOS, 2015
- Crusader of Human Development Award, 2013
- Epitome of Academic Excellence Award, TAROSA (Tarok Students Association), 2008
- ICT ICON Award, B.Sc. Microbiology Graduating Class of 2006/2007
Appointment
Prof. Patricia Lar was named as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja (formerly the University of Abuja) for a six-month term by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday 6th February, 2025.
Her appointment signals a new phase for Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, as she takes on the responsibility of steering the institution towards greater academic and research achievements.
Personal life
Prof. Patricia Lar is a Muslim and she is happily married with children.
She has been actively involved in community service. She has served on governing councils of institutions such as Plateau State Polytechnic, Plateau State University, and the University of Jos Senate committees.
She has also worked with various NGOs and student associations, supporting youth development and gender equality initiatives.
Her love for people, travel, and the arts is evident in her extracurricular activities. She has visited numerous countries, including Canada, the USA, the UK, Israel, France, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana attending and presenting at international conferences.
She enjoys gospel music, dancing, reading newspapers, and watching drama.
Net worth
As at the time of this post, Prof. Patricia Lar’s estimated net worth could not be accessed, African Gazette will keep it updated in due time.
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