The Federal Government (FG) has cautioned governing councils of tertiary institutions across the country to strictly adhere to the laid-down procedures in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.
This directive affects all federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who gave the warning, said any council that fails to comply with the stipulated laws and guidelines would face sanctions.
“We expect all councils to study the guidelines carefully and ensure full compliance. Any council that violates the process or operates outside the approved guidelines will face appropriate sanctions,” he said.
For universities, councils are expected to follow Sections 3 to 6 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1993, amended in 2003 and 2012. Polytechnics are to adhere to Section 7 (1-6) of the Federal Polytechnics Act of 1979 (amended in 1993), while colleges of education are to comply with Section 5 (1-6) of the Federal Colleges of Education Act of 1986 (amended in 1993).
A recently released guideline obtained by our correspondent outlines that candidates vying for the position of Vice-Chancellor must have at least ten years of experience as a professor.
“Governing councils are expected to take note that only professors with a minimum of ten years of experience are qualified to apply,” the document states.
Similarly, candidates seeking to become Rectors or Provosts must be chief lecturers with no less than five years of experience.
The guideline further stressed that acting Vice-Chancellors are not eligible to participate in the selection process.
Read also: Nigeria to start issuing automated entry and exit cards for foreigners by May 1
In line with the selection procedure, the councils must submit the names of the top three shortlisted candidates—in order of merit—to the Minister of Education, who will then forward the list to the Visitor, the President, for final approval.
“The President, after reviewing the recommendations, reserves the right to appoint any of the three or reject them outright,” the document added. “The Minister of Education will subsequently communicate the Visitor’s decision to the respective governing councils.”
In a related development, the education minister, also directed all federal tertiary institutions granted staff recruitment waivers to advertise the available vacancies publicly.
Read also: New law bans acting VCs, rectors, and provosts from retaining position
in a statement released to the press on Thursday by Folasade Boriowo, said the minister has directed the institutions to advertise vacancies in at least one national daily newspaper, on their respective websites, and in other relevant academic and professional journals.
Meanwhile, according to Alausa, the directive aims to ensure a transparent, open, and competitive recruitment process that offers equal opportunity to all eligible Nigerians.
