FG Inaugurates Governing Boards for Federal Tertiary Institutions, Agencies
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has officially inaugurated the newly appointed members of the Governing Councils of selected federal tertiary institutions and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Education.
Alausa, while issuing letters of appointment to the new members on Tuesday in Abuja, urged them to offer forward-thinking and accountable leadership to transform Nigeria’s universities and colleges to meet global standards.
In his keynote speech, the minister congratulated the newly appointed individuals on their nominations and confirmations, stating that the appointments served both as recognition of their past accomplishments and as a call to serve the nation.
He explained that governing councils, which represent the highest level of decision-making in tertiary institutions, play crucial roles in institutional governance, crafting policy, overseeing finances, and maintaining academic and administrative excellence.
“Your appointments are not only a recognition of your achievements and contributions to national development but also a call to serve with integrity, vision, and accountability,” he said.
Alausa acknowledged the numerous difficulties currently facing the tertiary education sector, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, industrial disputes, and falling positions in global rankings.
He called on the new council members to provide strategic supervision while respecting the operational independence of university management teams.
“Your role is not to run the universities on a daily basis, but to provide strategic direction and ensure that the institutions are governed in accordance with the relevant laws and extant policies,” he stated.
The minister emphasised that university autonomy must be coupled with transparency and accountability in areas such as procurement, budgeting, hiring, and contract awards.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to revitalising the tertiary education sector as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the administration is investing in infrastructural upgrades, promoting solar energy to improve campus electrification, enhancing the welfare of staff, and increasing access to high-quality education.
“Strategic engagements with stakeholders have led to policy reforms aimed at fostering institutional autonomy, promoting research and innovation, and ensuring industrial harmony,” Alausa said.
He reminded the appointees that their roles are not ceremonial in nature but rather a serious national obligation that demands dedication, commitment, and strong leadership.
Replying on behalf of the appointees, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the privilege to serve.
He pledged the full support of all the councils towards helping the Federal Government achieve transformation in the education sector.
The newly appointed chairpersons include Vice-Admiral Victor Ombu (rtd), who was named Chairman of the Governing Council at Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa, Delta State; and Prof. Oluremi Aina, Chairman of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State.
Other appointees include Prof. Shuaibu Aliyu, Executive Secretary of the National Mass Education Commission (NMEC); Adebayo Onigbanjo, National Coordinator of the Special Programmes Operations and Implementation Unit (SPOIU); and Hon. Chidi Nwogu, Chairman of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja.
Also appointed were Dr Folashade Kareem, Chairman of the University of Jos; Dr Olusina Adeniyi, Chairman of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom State; and Babatunde Olokun, Chairman of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, among others.
