The Federal Government, under Tinubu’s leadership, has prohibited individuals serving as acting heads of tertiary institutions from participating in the election for the permanent positions they hold temporarily.
The recent directive prevents acting Vice Chancellors (VCs) of universities, Rectors of polytechnics, and Provosts of colleges from entering the race for the official leadership roles of these institutions.
In a Monday announcement, signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, expressed that acting VCs, Rectors, and Provosts frequently exploit the selection process, thereby undermining impartiality and transparency.
Alausa emphasized that acting VCs, Rectors, and Provosts who wish to run for the position must step down from their acting roles within a six-month period to be eligible.
He remarked that the Ministry is dedicated to fostering transparency within the tertiary education system to improve educational quality.
The statement read: “In alignment with the Federal Ministry of Education’s dedication to promoting fairness, transparency, and integrity in the hiring process for Federal Tertiary Institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has sanctioned the application of a guiding policy regarding the eligibility for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.
“This policy has become essential due to a recurring trend of improper advantage noted over the years, where individuals in acting positions often use their status to sway appointment results, thus jeopardizing the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
“To eradicate this practice, ensure an equitable opportunity for all eligible candidates, and bolster institutional governance, the policy articulates that any official serving in an acting role as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be qualified to apply for the permanent position while maintaining the acting appointment. Nonetheless, in the spirit of fairness, such officials may voluntarily resign from their acting duties prior to the conclusion of their non-renewable six-month term, thereby becoming qualified to seek the permanent roles.
This policy is intended to supplement the existing Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), alongside all current regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.
“Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby urged to enforce strict adherence to the new mandate.
“The Ministry appreciates the ongoing commitment and collaboration of stakeholders in promoting good governance and preserving the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the educational sector. We believe that this policy will usher in the necessary reforms and bolster public trust in the selection of principal officers within our institutions.