Council Members Hail Tinubu, Seek Stronger Synergy

Members of the Governing Councils of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions under the umbrella of the Forum of Governing Council Members of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (FOGOCOM) have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, commending his administration’s strides in funding, infrastructure development, and policy reforms in the education sector.

In a communique issued at the end of a one-day general meeting and retreat held in Abuja, the forum applauded the President for what it described as “landmark interventions” that are transforming the country’s tertiary education landscape.

The meeting, themed “Empowering Tertiary Institutions for National Transformation: The Governing Council’s Role in Actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda,” brought together governing council members, and other education stakeholders from across the country.

The forum praised the Tinubu administration for increasing funding to tertiary institutions, clearing the backlog of staff allowances, and inaugurating governing councils across various institutions—steps it said have brought stability and improved learning conditions.

According to the communique, “FOGOCOM applauds His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the approval of backlog of allowances owed workers of various tertiary institutions, creating stability and improving learning conditions.”

It also acknowledged the establishment of critical institutional organs that have enhanced checks and balances and improved institutional management.

Delivering the opening address, Interim National Chairman and Coordinator of the Forum, Dr. Akin Babajide Thomas, emphasized the historic nature of the gathering.

He stated: “This is not just another gathering. This is history in the making. For the first time in the annals of our great nation, we have come together as members of Governing Councils from diverse tertiary institutions, united under a single, noble mission: to drive national transformation through education, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”

He called on members to see themselves not just as appointees, but as pioneers of a vision that will reshape Nigeria’s educational future.

“Let me begin by acknowledging a sentiment that some of us may have quietly nursed: ‘I expected a bigger appointment.’ I understand that sentiment. But I say to you, with all conviction, God knows exactly why He placed us here. He chooses us to be the foundation of something greater.”

Dr Thomas highlighted the pivotal role of Governing Councils in bridging policy and practice, describing council members as “vision-bearers, policy-enablers, and bridge-builders.”

He challenged participants to reflect on critical questions: How do we align institutional goals with national priorities? How do we foster innovations in governance and learning? How do we ensure that our universities and polytechnics are not only surviving, but thriving?

He acknowledged the challenges council members face, including institutional politics, funding gaps, and balancing autonomy with government policy.

However, he stressed that institutions expect Governing Councils to be drivers of innovation, enhancers of institutional credibility, and promoters of practical student empowerment initiatives.

“This gathering must be a safe space to address these issues, not in whispers, but boldly and constructively. It is only in truth we can find real solutions,” he said.

Dr. Thomas concluded with a call to unity: “This forum must not end with today’s gathering. It must grow into a strong, unified voice… Let it be said, years from now, that a group of men and women once gathered—not to complain, but to collaborate. Not to wait for change, but to be the change.”

Beyond commendations, the forum stressed the need for continued collaboration between governing councils and institutional managements, urging unity, synergy, and visionary leadership.

In a key development, a motion moved by Hon. Jude Ogbeche Ngaji, PhD, and seconded by Hon. Faisal Lawal, called for the continuation of the forum’s interim national body until proper elections are held.

Another motion passed during the retreat saw members unanimously expressing a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and supporting his re-election in 2027, citing his “outstanding performance” across education and other sectors.

The forum concluded with a rallying call to members to see themselves not just as appointees but as “custodians of transformation” for Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.