BREAKING: Despite ASUU’s Objections, FG Sets Date for Versity Governing Councils’ inauguration

The Federal Government has announced that the Governing Councils of Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and other Tertiary Institutions will be established on July 4, 2024.

This decision comes despite the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) rejecting the composition of these new governing bodies for Nigeria’s federal institutions. According to Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU’s national president, the new council members are primarily retired politicians rather than academics or professionals in relevant disciplines. Osodeke voiced concern about this trend in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune last week.

President Bola Tinubu previously authorized the reformation of the Governing Councils and Boards of Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education. Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that the reformation was approved to ensure the proper administration of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, announced the inauguration date during her acceptance address on Monday.

A total of 560 people have been appointed to the governing councils and boards of Federal Government-owned academic institutions.

Chief Bisi Akande has been selected as Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan, with board members Alexander Ajipe, Nelson Alapa, Ifeoma Nwankwo, and Prof. Emmanuel Alo.

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has been named Chairman of the University of Lagos’ Governing Council, which includes Bello Kumo, Prof. Idowu Mark, Niyi Akande, and Bola Njoku.

Isa Yuguda chairs the National Open University’s board, with council members Goddy Etta, Yomi Balogun, Deborah Apah, and Hingah Biem.

The Obafemi Awolowo University Governing Council is led by Siyan Oyeweso, with members Edward Sarki, Joseph Abaagu, Wahaab Owokoniran, and Abubakar Kachaalla.

Additionally, Adebayo Shittu, Muiz Banire, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa have been named chairpersons of the governing boards of the Federal Polytechnic in Ugep, Cross River State; Federal University of Transportation in Katsina State; and David Umahi University of Medicine in Ebonyi State.