From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Governing Councils of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria, one year after they were dissolved by President Bola Tinubu.
It noted that the prolonged absence of the Governing Councils has affected the smooth operations of the public tertiary institutions, thus necessitating a threat from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to threaten nationwide strike.
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, inaugurated the Governing Councils in Abuja, yesterday, with a warning to the council members to steer clear of the day-to-day activities of their various institutions.
He said: “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 expectation of tertiary institutions.
“Please note that there is a clear line of operations between the management and respective Governing Councils of the tertiary institutions. You are not to interfere with the day-to-day management of human, financial, and material resources of the institutions,” the minister warned.
He informed the council members that the Federal Government has huge expectations from them in addressing the challenges facing the tertiary institutions, highlighting some of the challenges that had confronted the institutions to include low carrying capacity resulting from insufficient infrastructure, inadequate academic, non-academic and technical staff; insufficient funding due to declining government resources despite the efforts and disposition of our leaders.
Others, he added, were unstable academic calendar, examination malpractices, insufficient deployment of ICT, and other innovative technologies for teaching, learning and research, the proliferation of illegal tertiary institutions, certificate racketeering, and gender imbalance. He reiterated that the Federal Government alone cannot meet the enormous needs of higher education in Nigeria, stressing that effective financial management and resource mobilisation were crucial in discharging their task.
“You are expected to explore diverse funding sources, including partnerships with the private sector and international organisations, alumni, endowment and sponsored research to ensure financial sustainability of the institutions. It is, however, imperative that the limited funds allocated by the government are judiciously utilised.”
The minister further reminded the council members that one of their responsibilities is to ensure good management, healthy growth and development of their respective institutions. “To this end, you should be abreast of the current Acts of your various institutions, government policies, white papers (if any); circulars, gazettes and other relevant documents, relating to the institutions and those of general application in MDAS.”
He highlighted that one of the challenges that the Governing Councils regularly face during their tenure is the appointment of principal officers. “As a council, you must ensure that proper attention and priority are given to the relevant Acts of the institutions and government’s guidelines for the process of such appointments, as well as ensure fairness and transparency.
“Governing Councils must, at all times, adhere to the ideals of transparency and probity. The councils should encourage responsible unionism in their respective institutions, while arresting the problems of cultism and drug abuse by students.
“Additionally, effective strategies should be put in place by the councils for early detection and eradication of social vices such as sexual harassment, theft, extortion, inducement.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, in his remarks, also emphasised the need for the councils to adhere to the laws and regulations that establish and govern tertiary institutions.
“Compliance with these legal frameworks ensures that the institutions operate with integrity and accountability, and also safeguard the autonomy of our academic institutions, while promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement,” he said.
He urged the council members to familiarise themselves with the relevant laws and ensure that all decisions and actions are in full compliance of the laws. “This adherence will not only protect the credibility of our institutions, but also enhance their ability to fulfil their educational missions effectively,” he added.
Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, assured the council members of the readiness of the NUC to closely work with them for the betterment of the institutions.
Meanwhile, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun, who spoke on behalf of other council members, appreciated the President for the trust and confidence on them to take up the responsibility.
While he promised that they would uphold justice and national development in their actions, he pushed for more financial autonomy for the tertiary institutions to enable them function effectively, and meet its objective of human capital and national development.