From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Universities Commission (NUC) has registered its concerns with what it described as the increasing abuse of the conduct of statutory university ceremonies such as matriculation, convocation, public lecture, inaugural lecture, among several others.
It also lamented the obvious decline in quality and standards, thus announcing that it has resolved to work with relevant stakeholders in the system to establish the minimum guidelines for the conduct of these university ceremonies.
NUC Acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, stated this in his address to members of newly inaugurated governing councils of the federal universities at a retreat in Abuja.
He said: “We have noticed that unique ceremonial occasions such as the Matriculation, Convocation and the Lectures that traditionally precede them as well as Inaugural lectures, University Lectures, Distinguished Lectures, Faculty Lectures and Valedictory Lectures, have not only declined in quality, but have also lost the aura for which they were once known and cherished, because of the adoption of unsavory local mismatches.
“This ought to change with the new Council Members who are obviously bringing in new vigour. In addition to that, there’s an urgent need to enthrone a legacy of good governance values, principles, standards and best practices in our respective institutions of higher education, and you, the Council members, are expected to demonstrate the good leadership and stewardship towards the growth of the Institutions.”
“As Members of the Council, you have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that the reputational capital of the nationâs Universities is protected, adding that they must give all necessary assurances to stakeholders, emphasising that university system places a high premium on quality.”
He explained that the objective of the retreat was to provide deeper insights into various instruments as well as relevant legal and regulatory requirements that define the functions of Governing Councils.
“Our hope is that the retreat will help you to understand the cross-cutting issues that are required to ensure that our universities are positioned for greater effectiveness. Your appointment is, no doubt, a testament to the unwavering commitment you have demonstrated over the years to the development of the Nigerian enterprise.
“I am optimistic that you will bring this commitment and your wealth of experience to bear fully on the noble task of enabling our Universities to attain their full potential. Good governance is at the heart of the success of all organisations in the world over. It is particularly important in higher education because a university is, in many ways, a far more complicated organisation than an ordinary institution.
“Governance in higher education requires an appropriate framework for accommodating a diverse group of stakeholders. Indeed, good governance informs and facilitates decision-making which, in turn, enables a university to grow and prosper.”
He noted that only through accountability, transparency and innovative strategies that a university can be sustained in the long-term.
“Our institutions have a proud tradition of fostering intellectual curiosity, nurturing talent, and contributing to society through knowledge and discovery. In their set-up, higher education institutions are meant to be highly democratic institutions.
“The committee system which serves as the basis of decision-making, exists from the level of Council, down to the level of academic departments. The system allows issues to be freely debated and democratically decided upon at scheduled meetings. It is therefore essential for Council members to acquire extensive knowledge about the issues faced by their various institutions”, he added
