Inconsistencies in the recent appointment of governing boards of tertiary institutions have prompted President Bola Tinubu to order a total and comprehensive review of the process before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees. In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he recalled that 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 acknowledged 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.
Recall that following threats by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embark on strike over the alleged delays in constituting governing councils, the Federal Ministry of Education had recently released names of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education.