NUC Directs Outgoing Vice-Chancellors to Hand Over to Senior Deputies

In a recent directive, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has mandated that outgoing Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities must hand over their responsibilities to the most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor. This directive aligns with existing regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities.

The directive was communicated via a letter signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Chris J. Maiyaki. Dated May 27, 2024, the memo (NUC/ES/138/Vol.65/88) titled “HANDOVER PROTOCOL FOR OUTGOING VICE-CHANCELLORS,” specifies the handover procedures.

The letter stated, “I write to convey the directive of the Honourable Minister of Education, to the effect that Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, who are rounding up their tenures should hand over their responsibilities to the next most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, in line with extant regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities, which stipulates that Vice-Chancellors are not to remain in office beyond their designated terminal dates.”

“This measure is to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in the leadership of the Universities, thereby maintaining the requisite stability and continuity for the effective administration and academic performance of the various institutions. Out-going Vice-Chancellors are further requested to ensure that a detailed handover report documenting key activities, ongoing projects, University assets, financial statements, and any other pertinent information, forms part of the handover process. Please note that the Federal Ministry of Education and your respective University Senates must be duly notified of your handover before the terminal dates.”

The letter further expressed the Ministry’s appreciation for the contributions of the outgoing Vice-Chancellors and emphasized the importance of their cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition process. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and effective immediately.