FG approves new guidelines for appointment of VCs, rectors, provosts

By Gabriel Dike

Worried by the constant protests that trail appointments of vice chancellors in the universities, rectors in polytechnics and provosts for colleges of education, the Federal Government has rolled out new guidelines. 

In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Foalsade, said the new guidelines approved by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, are meant to promote equity, transparency and integrity in the appointment process of federal tertiary institutions.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) recently kicked against the appointment of VCs and provosts that did not follow due process. The unions wrote a series of petitions to the Presidency and the minister of education.

The statement read: “This policy has become necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leverage their positions to influence appointment outcomes, thereby compromising the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

“To eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates and strengthen institutional governance, the policy stipulates that any officer serving in an acting capacity as VCs, rectors and provosts shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment.

“However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to rescue themselves from their acting position before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles.”

The statement said the policy is designed to complement the existing Federal Ministry of Education guidelines for the appointment of VCs, rectors and provosts (2013), along with other extant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.

It warned governing councils, management, and relevant stakeholders are requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.

The statement added that the ministry appreciates the continued dedication and cooperation of stakeholders in upholding good governance and maintaining the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the education sector.

It added: “It is our belief that this policy will bring about the desired reforms and enhance public confidence in the selection of principal officers in our institutions.