Worried by the frequent protests surrounding the appointment of vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts in federal tertiary institutions, the Federal Government has introduced new guidelines aimed at promoting equity, transparency, and integrity in the selection process.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry of Education announced that the new policy, approved by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is designed to address longstanding concerns about favoritism and undue advantage in appointment procedures.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) had recently raised objections to appointments they alleged did not follow due process. Both unions sent a series of petitions to the Presidency and the Minister of Education.

The statement read in part:
“This policy has become necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leverage their positions to influence appointment outcomes, thereby compromising the fairness and transparency of the selection process.”

To address this, the new guidelines stipulate that any officer serving in an acting capacity as a vice chancellor, rector, or provost will no longer be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment.

However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may voluntarily step down from their acting role before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to contest for the substantive position.

The ministry noted that the new policy is intended to complement the existing 2013 Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts, alongside other relevant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.

Governing councils, management teams, and relevant stakeholders were warned to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.

The statement further said the ministry appreciates the continued dedication and cooperation of all stakeholders in upholding good governance and maintaining the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the education sector.

“It is our belief that this policy will bring about the desired reforms and enhance public confidence in the selection of principal officers in our institutions,” the statement added.

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