The inauguration and retreat for the governing councils of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, initially scheduled for May 30th and 31st, 2024, have been postponed by the Federal government.
The education ministry spokeswoman, Folasade Boriowo, announced this in a statement on Monday.
The federal government had earlier announced the constitution of the governing councils, and their inaugurations was also scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
The postponement was due to a presidential directive dated May 23 for a comprehensive review of the membership of the governing councils.
“We regret any inconveniences this may cause. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” the education ministry said.
Tinubu had ordered a thorough review of the governing boards for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions five days after their initial release by the ministry.
“The nominations did not reflect the Federal Character of the country, as some states got just one nomination while others got many. The president, in directing a complete review of the list of the members of the governing councils, acknowledges 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 the national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented,” the presidential directive had said.
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.
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However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, said public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country, as some states got just one nomination, while others got many.
“In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country.
“President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution,” Onanuga said.
He added that the review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.
In another development, the Bauchi zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Tuesday, criticised the appointment of the nominees.
According to them, it was better for the Bola Tinubu-led administration to reinstate the earlier dissolved members.
