BY NGOZI NWANKWO, ABUJA – The National Universities Commission (NUC), has blamed the adoption of unsavoury local mismatch as reasons for the noticeable qualitative decline in the conduct of ceremonies and special lectures that constitute the hallmark of university and tertiary education.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Mr Chris Maiyaki, who stated this in Abuja at a retreat organized by the commission for the members of the governing councils, noted that unique ceremonial occasions such as the Matriculation, Convocation and the Lectures that traditionally precede them as well as Inaugural lectures, University Lectures, Distinguished Lectures, Faculty Lectures and Valedictory Lectures, have, not only declined in quality, but have lost the aura for which they were once known and cherished.
Maiyaki said that as a result of the noticeable decline, the Commission has resolved to work with relevant stakeholders in order to establish the minimum guidelines for the conduct of university ceremonies, stressing that there was urgent need to enthrone a legacy of good governance values, principles, standards and best practices in our respective institutions of higher education.
The NUC Executive Secretary called on the Universities to demonstrate good leadership and stewardship towards the growth of their Institutions, adding that members of the University boards have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that the reputational capital of the nation’s Universities is protected, stressing that the university system places a high premium on quality.
Maiyaki said; “It is with this goal in mind that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has organised this Retreat, aimed at providing insights into the various instruments as well as relevant legal and regulatory requirements that define the functions of Governing Councils.
“Our hope is that the Retreat will help you to understand the cross-cutting issues that are required to ensure that our Universities are positioned for greater effectiveness.
“Your appointment is, no doubt, a testament to the unwavering commitment you have demonstrated over the years to the development of the Nigerian enterprise. I am optimistic that you will bring this commitment and your wealth of experience to bear fully on the noble task of enabling our Universities to attain their full potential.
“Good governance is at the heart of the success of all organisations in the world over. It is particularly, important in higher education because a university is, in many ways, a far more complicated organisation than an ordinary institution. “Governance in higher education requires an appropriate framework for accommodating a diverse group of stakeholders. Indeed, good governance informs and facilitates decision-making which in turn, enables a university to grow and prosper,” he said.