By Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has directed governing councils of universities to familiarise themselves with the criteria and guidelines for selecting a Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers. This applies to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
For universities, the government asked councils to follow sections 3 to 6 of the University Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1993 (amended 2003 and 2012). For polytechnics, councils must refer to section 7(1-6) of the Federal Polytechnics Act, 1979 (amended 1993). Plus, for colleges of education, it’s section 5(1-6) of the Federal College of Education Act, 1986 (amended 1993).
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa asked councils to study the guidelines for appointing VCs, rectors, and provosts carefully. He warned that sanctions await councils that violate the processes or operate outside the guidelines.
A recently obtained guideline document states that 10 years’ experience as a professor is mandatory for any candidate seeking the VC position. It asks councils to take note. Similarly, candidates for rector and provost roles must have been chief lecturers with five years’ experience.
The document also notes that acting VCs are ineligible to join the selection process for new VCs. Plus, councils must submit details of the three top shortlisted candidates—in order of merit—to the Minister of Education. The minister then forwards these to the Visitor (the President) for scrutiny and a final decision.
After reviewing the recommendations, the Visitor (the President) can appoint or reject any of the three candidates. The Minister of Education will then convey the Visitor’s decision to the governing council.