Governing Council Members Endorse Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

The Forum of Governing Council Members in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions (FOGOCOM) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu relection bid in 2027.

It called for an extension of the tenure of governing councils of polytechnics and colleges of education from three to four years.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Dr Akin-Thomas Babajide, on behalf of FOGOCOM, said the group would mobilise support for the continuation of the Tinubu administration to consolidate the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“As preparations begin for the 2027 elections, we remain committed to mobilising support for the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is laying a solid foundation for national development, economic growth, educational advancement and improved governance.

“We believe that continuity in leadership will further consolidate the achievements already recorded and advance Nigeria’s journey toward greater prosperity and stability,” Babajide said.

The forum also appealed to the Federal Government to review the tenure of governing councils of polytechnics and colleges of education.

“We respectfully appeal to the Federal Government and Mr President for a review of the tenure of governing councils of polytechnics and colleges of education from the current three years to four years.

“We believe that a four-year tenure will provide greater stability, continuity and sufficient time for governing councils to effectively implement policies, complete ongoing reforms and contribute more meaningfully to the growth and development of these institutions,” he added.

FOGOCOM commended the Tinubu administration for interventions in tertiary education, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which it said had provided interest-free loans to over 1.38 million students, with more than N242 billion disbursed for tuition fees and upkeep allowances.

The forum also hailed the deployment of N110 billion through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) High Impact Intervention Project for the rehabilitation and modernisation of medical schools across 18 federal and state universities.

According to Babajide, “The Renewed Hope Agenda has demonstrated that quality education is not merely a policy statement but a national priority.”

He said the restoration and strengthening of governing councils had improved decision-making processes and enhanced institutional effectiveness across tertiary institutions.

Earlier, participants observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims of terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of insecurity across the country, while prayers were offered for those still in captivity and for the success of security agencies in securing their release.