FG Tasks New Tertiary Institutions Governing Councils to Explore Various Financing Alternatives

Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially established the governing councils for various universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions across the country.

The new tertiary institutions governing councils was tasked by the Federal Government to explore alternative funding options.

The inauguration occurred approximately one year after the government’s decision to dissolve the governing councils of all tertiary institutions, resulting in their operation without governing councils.

Recall that in June 2023, shortly after assuming the presidency, President Bola Tinubu made the decision to dissolve the governing councils of all federal tertiary institutions. As a result, these institutions operated for nearly a year without any governing councils.

On June 19, 2024, lecturers in the nation’s public universities expressed their concern over the government’s failure to appoint new governing councils. They have threatened to initiate a nationwide strike if the government does not address this issue within the next three weeks.

To prevent the impending strike, the government swiftly established the governing councils for all of its tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, officially launched the councils in Abuja on Thursday. He emphasized that this event represents a significant milestone in the endeavor to enhance the education sector and restructure the governance framework of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

He expressed optimism that with the inauguration, the nation’s higher education institutions will undergo a significant transformation that will positively impact the lives of our children and future generations.

He, however, tasked the new governing councils to familiarize themselves with the current acts, government policies, white papers (if applicable), circulars, gazettes, and other pertinent documents related to their respective institutions and those of general application across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Professor Mamman emphasized the importance of exploring various funding avenues to ensure the financial sustainability of institutions. He encouraged partnerships with the private sector, international organizations, alumni, endowments, and sponsored research. However, he stressed the crucial need to judiciously utilize the limited funds allocated by the government.

During their tenure, one of the primary responsibilities of governing councils is to ensure the effective management, sustainable growth, and overall development of their respective institutions. However, one persistent challenge that governing councils frequently encounter is the appointment of principal officers.

“As a council, you must ensure that proper attention and priority are given to the relevant Acts of the Institutions and Government guidelines for the process of such appointments as well as ensure fairness and transparency. Governing Councils must, at all times, adhere to the ideals of transparency and probity.”

He urged the governing councils to promote responsible unionism within their respective institutions while simultaneously addressing the issues of cultism and drug abuse among students. He emphasized the need for effective strategies to be implemented by the councils for the early detection and eradication of social vices such as sexual harassment, theft, extortion, and inducement.

“Let me clarify that there is a dear line of operations between the Management and respective Governing Councils of the tertiary Institutions. Councils are not to interference with the day-to-day management of human, financial, and material resources of the Institutions,” he added.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, expressed confidence in the presence of distinguished and highly respected Nigerian professionals in the councils. These individuals have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria in their respective fields of expertise.

He said: “I use this opportunity to congratulate you for these well-deserved appointments as Chairmen and Members of the Governing Councils of our tertiary institutions.

“It is imperative to emphasize that Nigerians have consistently expressed a strong desire for high-quality and effective education. This education should be tailored to meet the demands of the modern world and contribute to sustainable development. Furthermore, it should equip our citizens with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address emerging global challenges.

“I wish to inform this distinguished gathering that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,is determined to give Nigerians the best education at all levels in his Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Observing the esteemed members of the newly established councils, he said “I must emphasize that your selection as the pivotal foot soldiers in accomplishing this commendable agenda was a well-considered decision by the government”.

July 04, 2024