Federal Government Postpones Inauguration of Varsities Governing Councils

The eagerly awaited inauguration and retreat for Pro-Chancellors, Chairmen, and members of Governing Councils of Federal tertiary institutions, slated for Thursday, May 30th, and Friday, May 31st, 2024 respectively, have been deferred by the Federal Government.

This decision follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a thorough review of the nominees’ list for membership of the Councils.

Folasade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, conveyed this postponement in a statement issued in Abuja, expressing regrets for any inconvenience caused.

In a succinct statement titled ‘Postponement of Inauguration and Retreat for Membership of Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions,’ Boriowo stated, “The Federal Ministry of Education regrets to announce the postponement of the Inauguration and Retreat for Pro-Chancellors, Chairmen, and Members of Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions, earlier scheduled for Thursday, 30th, and Friday, 31st May 2024.”

“This is as a result of the Presidential directive, as conveyed by the State House Press Release dated 23rd May 2024, for a comprehensive review of the membership of the Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. We regret any inconveniences this may cause. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

The decision for the review stems from concerns raised by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, who highlighted discrepancies in the nominations. Onanuga emphasized the need for the nominations to reflect the federal character of the country, expressing dissatisfaction with some states receiving minimal nominations while others had multiple appointees.

President Tinubu, through Onanuga, underscored his commitment to upholding the principle of federal character as enshrined in the constitution, ensuring equitable representation across the nation. The review process will prioritize national spread to ensure every state is adequately represented in the Governing Councils of tertiary institutions.