President Bola Tinubu has directed a thorough review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria following significant public outcry.
The directive was conveyed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement from the State House titled “President Tinubu Directs Comprehensive Review of Governing Boards of Tertiary Institutions.”
The initial appointments included 555 individuals designated as Pro-Chancellors/Chairmen and members of the Governing Boards of 111 federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. These appointments, which were approved by President Tinubu based on recommendations from the Ministry of Education, sparked controversy due to perceived imbalances in state representation.
Onanuga explained that the nominations “did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many.”
This discrepancy prompted reactions from various quarters, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities in Bauchi State, which advocated for the reinstatement of the previously dissolved board members.
In response to these concerns, President Tinubu has called for a complete review of the governing council members’ list.
He emphasized the need for strict adherence to the principle of federal character as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. The review will also consider national spread to ensure adequate representation of every part of the country.
The inauguration and retreat for the nominees are scheduled for May 31, 2024. Notable appointees include former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Other appointments include Wole Olanipekun, SAN, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Lagos, Akoka.
