By Jerry Zhang
The Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Board of Governors (BoG) extended President Mohamed Lachemi’s term until the end of 2026 during a meeting on Oct. 1.
Lachemi’s second term was originally set to conclude in April 2026 but will now last until the end of 2026, adding eight months to his tenure that began in 2016.
According to a press release from Toronto Met Today, the BoG said this extension was needed as TMU navigates several critical initiatives—including the completion of major capital projects and the university’s financial planning.
Lachemi’s extended tenure will oversee the medical school renovations as previously reported by The Eyeopener, the construction of the new Student Wellness Centre and the renovation of 277 Victoria Street into the new Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
“A lot of people are congratulating me for another term. No, it’s not a third term. It’s just eight months,” Lachemi said in an interview with The Eye.
He said he was “honoured” to be approached by the BoG and expressed a commitment to ensuring a smooth transition through the university’s ongoing plans.
“This extension will enable the successful completion of several important…initiatives currently underway” said Lachemi. He highlighted ensuring the School of Medicine is operational and providing “providing the community the continuity necessary to see the transformational initiative through to completion.”
BoG chair Tony Staffieri said it is important for TMU to sustain its progress in the capital projects, stating, “it is essential that TMU maintain its momentum…that there is a continuation of leadership until the next president is selected.”
He added the board was “delighted that Lachemi agreed to be flexible with his end date,” according to the press release.
Under TMU general by-laws, the BoG has the authority to extend a president’s term to prevent a leadership vacancy or when deemed in the university’s best interest. Section 13.2 allows for such extensions with the agreement of the individual appointed as president and the board.
Lachemi also expressed his disappointment over the limited progress in increasing affordable student housing and hopes to try to tackle this issue with his extended term.
“I would love to see more affordable housing for students. We have been working hard. The market was not in our favour, and governments… have not invested in housing for students,” he said.
He expressed hope for future progress.
“I think we have to be creative and find another way to achieve this [affordable student housing], and I’m hoping the next couple of years will bring positive change,” he said.
TMU’s search for a new president will be announced in 2025 by the presidential search committee comprising the chair, vice-chair, seven board members and four senate members, as outlined in the bylaws. The transition is expected to conclude by the end of 2026 when Lachemi’s extended term officially ends.
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