Union Alleges Illegalities In Governing Councils’ Appointments

Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN) has expressed concerns over what it termed as a “disturbing development” in the constitution of Governing Councils for Federal Colleges of Education.

In a letter addressed to the minister of education and secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) yesterday, the union highlighted several anomalies and legal discrepancies observed in the recent appointments and called for immediate corrective action.

In the letter, SSUCOEN president, Comrade Danladi Ali Msheliza, said the initial announcement of the reconstitution of Governing Councils had been received with optimism and seen as a step towards strengthening the governance structure of educational institutions.

However, he said subsequent lists of appointments failed to meet statutory requirements outlined in the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.

“We observed with serious concerns a repetition of omissions and commissions in the composition of the Governing Councils, which blatantly contravenes the provisions of the FCE Act,” Msheliza said.

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He also emphasised that several Federal Colleges of Education listed in the Act were excluded from council appointments, while others, improperly designated as universities, were erroneously constituted with councils.

Among the anomalies cited were the omission of prominent institutions such as FCE (T) Ekiadolor, FCE Odugbo, FCE Jama‘are, FCE Isu, and FCE Gidan Madi, despite their statutory inclusion in the Act.

Concerns were also raised over the designation of certain colleges as universities without legal basis, further complicating governance issues.

Furthermore, SSUCOEN pointed out gender disparities and multiple appointments of the same individuals across different councils, which violate stipulated guidelines for council membership.

„We urge the ministry to rectify these discrepancies before the inauguration of the Governing Councils to avoid legal repercussions,“ Msheliza asserted. He warned that any actions taken by improperly constituted councils could be deemed illegal and subject to litigation, potentially leading to operational chaos and wastage of public resources.