President Bola Tinubu has mandated a comprehensive review of the recently announced governing boards for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
This directive was issued ahead of the planned inauguration and retreat for the nominees.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the announcement in a State House statement titled, ‘President Tinubu Directs Comprehensive Review of Governing Boards of Tertiary Institutions.’
Onanuga highlighted significant discrepancies in the nominations, noting that the list failed to reflect the federal character of the country.
“The nomination did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many,” he said.
Previously, President Tinubu had approved the appointment of 555 individuals to serve as Pro-Chancellors/Chairmen and members of the Governing Boards for 111 federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, based on recommendations from the Ministry of Education.
The directive for a review follows considerable public backlash, including protests from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).
In response to the feedback, President Tinubu emphasized his commitment to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as enshrined in the constitution.
“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,” Onanuga noted.
The inauguration and retreat for the nominees are scheduled for May 31, 2024.
Among the appointees is former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, who has been named Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
The board members include Mary Yisa, R. O. Kazeem, Prof. Usman Musa, and Dr. Anthony Usoro.
Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has been appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Lagos, with members including Prof. S.E. Ogbeide, Rufai Chanchangi, Mrs. Glory Ekpo-Oho, and Patricia Yakubu, among others.
