JUST IN: Federal Government Reconstitutes Governing Councils of Public Tertiary Institutions

The federal government has given the green light for the reconstitution of governing councils across public tertiary institutions, as confirmed by Folasade Boriowo, the media head at the federal ministry of education.

This decision follows the dissolution of the councils of all federal universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in June 2023, prompted by a presidential directive. The directive extended to governing boards of government-funded parastatals, agencies, and educational institutions, effectively placing a halt on independent administrative decision-making processes.

This hiatus mandated universities, colleges of education, and federal polytechnics to seek ministerial approval for functions previously within the purview of the governing boards or councils.

The reinstatement of governing councils comes after 11 months of persistent advocacy from various education stakeholders, notably the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). ASUU voiced concerns over the absence of governing councils, attributing it to a rise in cases of “illegality and flagrant violation” of institutional autonomy within public universities.

Chris Maiyaki, the executive secretary of the NUC, disclosed that a committee has been established to ensure the appointment of highly qualified individuals to these councils. Maiyaki emphasized the importance of orientation courses for council members to familiarize themselves with government structures, institutional laws, and pertinent cross-cutting issues.

“It will also help them to understand those cross-cutting issues that we need to nip in the bud, to ensure our institutions regain their glorious paths,” stated Maiyaki.