President Bola Tinubu has mandated a comprehensive review of the governing boards of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to ensure they reflect the country’s federal character and national spread. This directive comes after recent announcements regarding the constitution of these boards.
Following the release of nominees for chairmen, pro-chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education by the Federal Ministry of Education, public feedback indicated disparities in representation. Some states received multiple nominations, while others received only one.
In response to these concerns, President Tinubu has called for a reassessment of the nominations before the planned retreat for the nominees on May 31. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that the president’s decision was driven by the need to address public reactions and ensure equitable representation.
“President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution,” Onanuga said. “The review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.”
This move underscores Tinubu’s dedication to upholding constitutional principles and promoting inclusivity in the governance of educational institutions. The review is expected to address the imbalances and foster a more equitable distribution of board memberships across the nation’s diverse regions.