The Federal Government has inaugurated the Governing Councils for Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education for the next four years.
On Thursday in Abuja, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, inaugurated the Chairmen and members of the councils. He congratulated them and cautioned against undue interference in the management of the institutions’ human, financial, and material resources.
He stated, “There is a clear line of operations between the Management and respective Governing Councils of the tertiary Institutions, Councils are not to interfere with the day-to-day management of human, financial, and material resources of the Institutions.”
Prof. Mamman also encouraged them to implement strategies to increase the institutions’ internally generated revenue.
“You are responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing transparent and responsible financial management of the sector, and ensuring the overall performance of these Institutions to achieve the national goals and expectations of tertiary institutions.”
“Governing Councils should encourage responsible unionism in their respective Institutions while arresting the problems of cultism and drug abuse by students. Effective strategies should be put in place by Councils for early detection and eradication of social vices such as sexual harassment, theft, extortion, and inducement,” he added.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, also advised them to adhere to the laws and regulations governing the tertiary institutions.
He remarked, “Compliance with these legal frameworks ensures that our institutions operate with integrity and accountability. It also helps to safeguard the autonomy of our academic institutions while promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.”
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Councils, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun, emphasized the importance of a harmonious relationship between the Management and the Councils.
He advised caution in their dealings with university members and encouraged Vice Chancellors to allow the councils to enhance the institutions, saying, “We are to build and not to pull down.”
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, congratulated the councils and assured them of full support to improve the university system.
