Foremost historian, Professor Toyin Falola, has called on public universities in Nigeria to see the need in erecting reformed university governance structures for effective checks and balances, noting that this may involve the redefinition of the roles and responsibilities of important governance entities within the university system.
Falola, who is a University Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, gave this admonition on Saturday in Abuja during a dinner organized in honor of the outgoing vice chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah.
In his keynote address which was woven around university governance in Nigeria, Falola noted that “A fundamental aspect of improving governance entails the reformation of current governance structures to enhance their strength, transparency, and accountability. This may involve the redefinition of the roles and responsibilities of important governance entities, such as the university senate and governing council, with the aim of establishing clear and effective mechanisms for checks and balances. The establishment of a clear division of powers and responsibilities among the administrative, academic, and oversight bodies within the university can effectively mitigate the accumulation of power and foster a governance environment that is more democratic. Furthermore, the implementation of well-defined criteria and procedures for the selection of university officials can effectively reduce the potential for nepotism and guarantee that leadership roles are occupied solely on the basis of merit and competence.”
He recalled that “The historical progression of university governance in Nigeria is indicative of the nation’s wider socio-political development, spanning from colonial periods to independence and the present era. A comprehensive understanding of the governance challenges and opportunities currently faced by Nigerian universities necessitates a thorough examination of the historical context. The establishment of Yaba Higher College in 1932 can be attributed to the colonial period in Nigeria, which recognized the necessity for skilled clerical and administrative personnel. This marked the beginning of higher education in the country. The formal introduction of university education in Nigeria occurred with the establishment of the University College Ibadan in 1948, which became an affiliate of the University of London. This achievement was of utmost importance as it established the foundational structure for university governance, which British educational models significantly influenced. This particular model placed significant emphasis on a hierarchical and bureaucratic governance structure, wherein decision-making was centralized and frequently disconnected from the local academic community.
“During the period leading up to Nigeria’s independence, there was an increasing recognition of the imperative to enhance higher education in order to facilitate the progress of the nation. As a result, several new universities were established during the 1960s, such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. These institutions were established with the purpose of serving as exemplars for a novel approach to university governance that is better aligned with Nigeria’s developmental requirements. Their primary objective is to foster research in areas that are pertinent to the socioeconomic challenges faced by the country. During the 1970s and 1980s, there was a notable increase in the growth of higher education, which was accompanied by substantial transformations in governance frameworks. The Nigerian government has observed a growing recognition of higher education as a crucial sector for national development, resulting in heightened state engagement in university governance.
“During this period, the National Universities Commission (NUC) was established in 1962 with the authority to oversee and regulate universities. The role of the NUC in standardizing university education is of great significance. It has established a cohesive framework for academic programmes and institutional governance, although it has resulted in a decrease in the autonomy of individual universities.
“Nevertheless, the heightened level of government intervention has presented certain difficulties, specifically in relation to the preservation of academic freedom and autonomy. During the 1980s and 1990s, military regimes held significant sway over universities, frequently appointing military administrators and exerting influence over the selection of vice-chancellors. The presence of political interference has had a detrimental impact on the governance of universities, thereby impeding their capacity to operate as autonomous academic institutions and resulting in a multitude of academic strikes and unrest.
“The resumption of civilian rule in 1999 signified a significant shift in the managerial structure of Nigerian universities. The university administration placed a renewed focus on the restoration of autonomy and the reduction of overt political interference in its affairs. Recent reforms have been implemented with the objective of bolstering governance structures, bolstering financial autonomy, and enhancing accountability mechanisms. For example, numerous universities have begun to adopt more transparent procedures for the appointment of vice-chancellors and other important representatives. Additionally, there is an increasing focus on internal self-assessment and external accreditation.
“Notwithstanding these favourable advancements, the enduring impact of previous governance practices presents ongoing challenges.
“Challenges such as insufficient funding, deteriorating infrastructure, and occasional deficiencies in governance practices continue to impede the efficient operation of universities. However, the historical development of university governance in Nigeria demonstrates a progression from colonial imposition to a gradual shift towards accommodating indigenous needs and realities. This evolutionary process is of utmost importance as it establishes the foundation for continuous reforms that seek to attain a governance framework that not only upholds the independence of universities but also brings them closer to the objectives of national development. The historical context offers a valuable perspective for evaluating and resolving the present governance challenges, thereby facilitating the development of a stronger and more adaptable higher education system in Nigeria.”
He, therefore, called for more concerted efforts in addressing these issues, just as he praised Professor Na’Allah for his immense contributions to the development of the University of Abuja.