The Nigerian government has set up new Governing Councils for the next four years to help run universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education smoothly.
On Thursday, in Abuja, the Education Minister, Prof Tahir Mamman, welcomed the new Chairmen and members of these councils. He told them not to meddle too much with how these institutions manage their staff, money, and resources.
Prof Mamman said, “There are clear roles for Management and Governing Councils. Councils should not interfere with everyday management, whether it involves people, money, or materials.”
He also asked the councils to come up with ideas to help the institutions make more money on their own.
“You are to guide the institutions in the right direction, manage finances well, and help these institutions perform well to meet national goals,” he said.
Prof Mamman stressed the need for councils to support good student unions and tackle issues like cultism and drug abuse. “Councils should also have plans to quickly spot and stop problems like sexual harassment, theft, extortion, and bribery,” he added.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, reminded the councils to follow all the rules and laws for running these institutions.
He said, “Following these rules ensures our institutions are run with honesty and responsibility. It also protects their independence and promotes a culture of excellence and continual improvement.”
The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun, spoke for the Governing Councils. He said the relationship between the universities’ management and councils should be friendly and cooperative.
He encouraged the councils to be careful in their interactions, and he urged Vice-Chancellors to let councils help improve the institutions. “We are here to build, not to tear down,” he noted.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, congratulated the councils, saying the NUC is ready to fully support them in improving the university system.