Source: Folaranmi Ajayi
The Federal Government has officially inaugurated newly appointed members of the Governing Councils for several federal tertiary institutions and agencies under the Ministry of Education.
At the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, presented letters of appointment to the appointees, urging them to provide visionary and accountable leadership that would reposition Nigeria’s higher education sector for global competitiveness.
Dr. Alausa noted that governing councils play a vital role in institutional governance, policy formulation, financial oversight, and maintaining academic and administrative excellence. He emphasized that their duties go beyond ceremonial functions and require integrity, strategic thinking, and full commitment.
“Your role is not to manage universities daily, but to give strategic direction in line with existing laws and policies,” he said.
He acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the tertiary education sector, including poor funding, infrastructural gaps, industrial disputes, and a decline in global rankings. However, he stressed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, government is investing in infrastructure, promoting solar energy on campuses, improving staff welfare, and enhancing access to quality education.
Dr. Alausa also called for a balance between institutional autonomy and accountability, especially in budgeting, procurement, appointments, and contract processes.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and pledged the council members’ commitment to transforming Nigeria’s education sector.
Some of the new chairpersons include:
Vice Admiral Victor Ombu (Rtd) – Admiralty University of Nigeria, Delta State
Prof. Oluremi Aina – Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze
Dr. Folashade Kareem – University of Jos
Dr. Olusina Adeniyi – Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi
Babatunde Olokun – Federal University, Kashere
Prof. Shuaibu Aliyu – National Mass Education Commission
Adebayo Onigbanjo – National Coordinator, SPOIU
Hon. Chidi Nwogu – African Aviation and Aerospace University
The government reaffirmed its commitment to stakeholder engagement, policy reform, and innovation in higher education governance.
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