Ex INEC Boss seeks consistency of visitation panel to universities

The Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega has called for consistency in the constitution of Visitation panels to Federal Tertiary Institutions.

Professor  Jega made the call in Abuja while responding to the inauguration of 42 Visitation panels to Public Universities and Inter-universities across the country.

The former INEC Chairman also urged the Nigerian government to implement recommendations from the panels pledging full commitment of panel members to produce “excellent” report.

According to him, “there is no doubt the Visitation panel offers opportunity for careful review of challenges on the basis which recommendations will be made to address the problem .

 “We hope visitation will be regular on the 5years term as provided by the laws.”

Earlier, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, while inaugurating the visitation panels of the 38 Federal Universities and four inter-university centres as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, charged the panels to evaluate the policies and laws of the specific institutions.

Adamu charged the panels to adhere to the terms of reference to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the institutions.

He explained that the panel would cover a period of 10 years between 2010 and 2020 which would also be expected to present two reports which covers 2011-2015 and 2016-2020.

According to him, each panel will have an academia, someone who knows the financial matter in the business sector, someone with the knowledge of the law and other instrument.

“ Each panel is expected to inquire into the level of implementation of the white paper on the last visitation report.

 “ Look into the leadership quality of each University in terms of the roles of governing council, the vice chancellors and other principal officers.

 “ Look into the financial management of each institution including statutory allocations and internally generated revenue over the recommendation period.

 “ Investigate the application of funds, particularly the special grants and loans meant for specific projects in order to determine the status of such projects,” he said.

Adamu,therefore , urged the panels to conclude their responsibilities with best practices within the period of 60 days.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor AbubakarRasheed said that each of the 42 panels comprised prominent persons who had served the nation in various capacity.

Rasheed tasked the Chairmen of the panels to do their best to reposition the education system for the good of the nation.

Professor Attahiru Jega Chairs the visitation panel team to University of Ibadan, Professor Bamiro is the Chairperson of the panel to University of Calabar, Mama Pepple heads the panel to University of Benin, , Professor Afolabi chairs A.B.Uel ,General Agwai leads the team to University of Nigeria ,Nsukka amongst others.

Confidence Okwuchi