***Warns Against Interference
The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated the Governing Councils of all tertiary institutions in the country for the smooth running of Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education
The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, who inaugurated the Chairmen and members the councils in Abuja, said it was tough making the decision as he has not rested in last 10 months over the issue.
He congratulated them and warned them against undue interference in the human, financial and resource management of the institutions.
He said: “There is a clear line of operations between the Management and respective Governing Councils of the tertiary Institutions. Councils are not to interfere with the day-to-day management of human, financial, and material resources of the Institutions.”
Prof Mamman urged them to come up with ideas that will shore up the internally generated revenue of the institutions by exploring diverse sources and partners that are willing to invest in education.
“You are responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing transparent and responsible financial management of the sector, and ensuring the overall performance of these Institutions to achieve the national goals and expectation of tertiary institutions.
“Governing Councils should encourage responsible unionism in their respective Institutions while arresting the problems of cultism and drug abuse by students Effective strategies should be put in place by Councils for early detection and eradication of social wees such as sexual harassment, theft, extortion and inducement,” he said.
The Minister, also advised them to know the existing laws guiding the institutions and to always apply the law in their dealings, Prof. Mamman highlighted the current administration’s commitment to education as a key pillar for national development, reiterating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of making higher education accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of socio-economic background.
The Minister outlined the Federal Ministry of Education’s comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming the Nigerian education system. The core transformative programmes include:
*Data Repository: Implementing a detailed and accurate data tracking system for informed decision-making.
*Out-of-School Children Education: Ensuring educational opportunities for all Nigerian children.
*Teachers Training and Development: Enhancing the skills and competencies of educators.
*Skills Development and Digitalization (DOTS): Addressing learning crises and unemployment through digital and skills-based education.
Prof. Mamman stressed the importance of accurate data in resource allocation and strategic planning, noting that countries like India have successfully leveraged technology for educational development.
While acknowledging the achievements of Nigerian tertiary institutions, the Minister addressed the ongoing challenges they face, including:
– Insufficient infrastructure and academic staff.
– Declining government resources and funding.
– Unstable academic calendars.
– Examination malpractices and certificate racketeering.
– Insufficient deployment of ICT and innovative technologies.
– Gender imbalance and social issues such as cultism and drug abuse.
Prof. Mamman called on the new Governing Councils to explore diverse funding sources, including partnerships with the private sector and international organizations, to ensure financial sustainability. He emphasized the importance of transparent and responsible financial management to meet the sector’s needs.
“With determination, collaboration, and a shared vision, we shall overcome the challenges before us and achieve a remarkable transformation for the benefit of our children and generations to come,” Prof. Mamman stated.
He enjoined all stakeholders to support the newly inaugurated Councils in their mission to uplift the standards of education in Nigeria, ensuring that it meets global competitiveness and national development goals.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu, said it is crucial to emphasize the need to adhere to the laws and regulations that establish and govern the tertiary institutions. READ ALSO:
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He said; “Compliance with these legal frameworks ensures that our institutions operate with integrity and accountability. It also helps to safeguard the autonomy of our academic institutions while promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.”
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Councils, the Pro Chancellor of University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said the relationship between the Management of the universities and Councils should not be that of cat and rat.
He urged them to be cautious in their dealings with members of the universities while encouraging the Vice Chancellors to give Councils the opportunity to improve the institutions, saying, “We are to build and not to pull down.”