President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough and complete reassessment of the newly disclosed governing bodies of higher education institutions before the induction and retreat scheduled for the nominees.
Last week, the Ministry of Education unveiled the governing councils for 111 federal tertiary institutions in the nation.
The roster included individuals from various fields such as experts, politicians, and traditional leaders for 50 universities, 37 polytechnics, and 24 colleges of education.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who disclosed the list, mentioned that the induction and retreat of the councils were scheduled for May 30 and 31, 2024.
However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and others opposed the list and called for a reassessment.
In a statement on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that Tinubu had instructed a review of the roster.
“President Bola Tinubu has directed a total and comprehensive review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees.”
“The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also announced that the inauguration and retreat for the nominees will take place on 31 May.
“However, public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many. In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country.
“President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution. The review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.”
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