FG Approves Guiding Policy On Eligibility For Appointment Of VCs

The federal government has approved the implementation of a guiding policy on eligibility for the appointment of vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa who gave the approval in Abuja, explained that the policy has become necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leverage their positions to influence appointment outcomes, thereby compromising the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

Dr Alausa emphasized that according to the policy, any officer serving in an acting capacity as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment.

He explained that in the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles.

According to the Minister, the policy is designed to complement the existing Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), along with all other extant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.

“Governing councils, management, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.

The Ministry also reiterated its commitment in upholding good governance and maintaining the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the education sector.

“It is our belief that this policy will bring about the desired reforms and enha nce public confidence in the selection of principal officers in our institutions.”

PR/Nkiruka Okeke