The Federal Government has inaugurated the Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions to ensure the smooth running of Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education over the next four years. This event took place in Abuja, with Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, leading the ceremony.
Prof. Mamman congratulated the new chairmen and members of the councils but also warned them not to interfere with the daily management of human, financial, and material resources of the institutions. He emphasized that the councils have a clear line of operations and should not get involved in the day-to-day activities of the institutions’ management.
The minister also urged the councils to implement ideas that would increase the internally generated revenue of the institutions. He highlighted the councils’ responsibility for setting strategic direction, overseeing transparent and responsible financial management, and ensuring the overall performance of these institutions to meet national goals and expectations.
Prof. Mamman encouraged the councils to support responsible union activities within their institutions while addressing issues like cultism and drug abuse among students. He advised them to establish effective strategies for early detection and eradication of social issues such as sexual harassment, theft, extortion, and inducement.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, also spoke at the event. He advised the councils to adhere to the laws and regulations governing tertiary institutions. He stressed that compliance with these legal frameworks ensures integrity, accountability, and the autonomy of academic institutions while promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Chief Wole Olanipekun, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, spoke on behalf of the Governing Councils. He emphasized that the relationship between university management and the councils should be harmonious. He urged council members to be cautious in their dealings with university staff and encouraged vice-chancellors to allow the councils to work towards improving the institutions. He stated, “We are here to build, not to tear down.”
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, congratulated the councils and assured them of the commission’s full support to improve the university system.
