As the Federal Government prepares to inaugurate the governing councils of various universities, polytechnics and colleges of education on July 4th, 2024, anticipation and expectations are high among stakeholders in the academic community.
These councils play a crucial role in shaping the direction and policies of their respective institutions, influencing everything from academic standards to administrative decisions.
The inauguration will mark a significant moment in the governance and management of Nigeria’s higher education sector, with hopes for effective leadership and strategic decision-making to propel these universities forward in their missions of education and research excellence.
LEADERSHIP earlier reported how some federal universities in the country grappled with institutional governance, stability and academic integrity following the abrupt dissolution of governing councils by the present administration,
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had in June 2023, shortly after assuming office, dissolved the governing councils of federal universities, leaving the running of the institutions to vice chancellors.
The dissolution of governing councils had sparked a power vacuum within universities, triggering internal strife and conflict with different unions at loggerheads with some vice-chancellors over certain decisions.
The development had resulted in industrial unrest at the University of Abuja, where members of the academic union (ASUU), accused the management of taking decisions reserved for a council.
In May, the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU declared a two-week ultimatum for the government to reinstate councils whose tenure had yet to elapse and reconstitute those whose tenure had elapsed.
A few days later, the education ministry published a list of approved members of the council for the 111 tertiary institutions.
The statement, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Didi Walson-Jack, listed the names of chairpersons and members of governing councils for the 111 tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
However, the education ministry was forced to postpone the councils’ inauguration earlier scheduled for 30 May, after Mr Tinubu directed that the list be reviewed following criticisms by members of the public who said the list did not adhere to the federal character regulations.
The ministry, therefore, released another list two weeks ago.
The councils, comprising eminent individuals from diverse backgrounds, were tasked with responsibilities ranging from strategic planning and financial oversight to fostering a conducive academic environment and promoting research excellence.
Their mandate extended beyond administrative functions but encompassed rebuilding trust, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring accountability at all levels of university governance.
The notification to Inaugurate the Councils was contained in a letter addressed to the heads of the federal government-owned institutions by NUC.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) disclosed this in a letter addressed to heads of the federal government-owned institutions on Friday.
The acting spokesperson for the NUC
“Following the approval of Mr President of the reviewed list of Governing Councils of Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education, I write to inform you that the Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN, CON, will inaugurate the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Governing Councils of Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education,” the letter reads in part.
The inauguration, according to Maiyaki’s letter to heads of the institutions, will be held on 4 July at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mr Maiyaki wrote: “The retreat for the newly appointed Governing Councils will take place immediately thereafter
“Due to the size of the Council to be inaugurated (Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education) and limited space at the venue, there is a need to curtail external participation at the event.”
NUC also asked the respective institutions to take responsibility for the travel and accommodation arrangements of their respective councils.
“Vice Chancellors are, therefore, invited to, kindly note that only the Vice Chancellors and Registrars can accompany their Council Members to the inauguration,” the letter added.
Speaking on the development, ab education experts, Mrs. Jane Doe, said the inauguration of the Councils will usher in an era of constructive dialogue and strategic decision-making in the Institutions.
“The Inauguration of governing councils will hopefully bring a promising prospect for universities and other institutions to address systemic challenges and pave the way for effective governance.”
