The Federal Ministry of Education has urged Pro-Chancellors and members of Governing Councils of federal tertiary institutions to perform their strategic oversight functions effectively within the ambits of the stipulated laws to enhance academic performance in the institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated this in a meeting with the Pro-Chancellors in Abuja, Nigeria.
He informed the Pro-Chancellors and members of the governing councils that their responsibilities are to provide strategic oversight, ensure policy implementation, and serve as a bridge between the universities and external stakeholders.
“You are also charged with safeguarding the autonomy of the institutions while maintaining accountability in accordance with the laws that establish and govern them,” he said.
He, however, urged them not to interfere in the day-to-day running of the institutions, as that is exclusively for the vice-chancellors.
“Please be reminded that your role is not to interfere in the day-to-day running of the universities, which is in the purview of the vice-chancellors, but you are representatives of the president and the ministry with the mandate to provide robust supervision and oversight to ensure these institutions are run properly according to the law.
“As leaders entrusted with the governance of our federal universities, your roles are pivotal to the growth, stability, and excellence of these institutions. The federal universities, as centres of knowledge and innovation, remain indispensable to the advancement of our nation. Their ability to deliver on their mandate depends not only on academic,” he said
He said the meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the critical role of governing boards, particularly pro-chancellors and their councils, in ensuring that the universities meet their goals in an atmosphere of stability and progress.
He reflected on recent conflicts in some institutions between the VCs and governing councils, which often stemmed from misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the roles and limits of governing councils, management, and other stakeholders.
“These conflicts have, at times, disrupted the smooth functioning of our institutions, tarnished their reputations, and affected the morale of staff and students alike. Sadly, we have had to intervene to avoid any crises that would have led to the breakdown of law and order.
“Let me emphasise that governance must be guided at all times by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, relevant statutes, and conventions. It is imperative that pro-chancellors, as the custodians of good governance, act with fairness, transparency, and a commitment to due process.
“Similarly, councils must avoid overreach and focus on their strategic responsibilities without encroaching on operational management, while management must accord maximum respect and ensure obedience to lawful directives from the councils,” he said.
It would be recalled that sometimes in the year, there were disagreements in some tertiary institutions in the country, especially Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Federal University of Health Science, Otukpo, Benue State and others, which led to the dissolution of the Governing Council by President Bola Tinubu.
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