FG to inaugurate governing councils institutions, July 4

The Federal Government has announced that the Governing Councils of Federal universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions will be inaugurated on July 4, 2024.  The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the composition of the newly constituted governing councils, stating that the list is dominated by retired politicians rather than experts in academia or relevant fields.

ASUU’s national President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed concerns over the trend in the appointment process, emphasising that the union demanded the reinstatement of the ‘illegally’ dissolved governing councils, not the constitution of new ones.

Despite ASUU’s ultimatum, the Federal Government has proceeded with the inauguration, which is expected to take place on July 4.

President Bola Tinubu approved the reconstitution of the Governing Councils and Boards of federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, with 560 individuals appointed to the governing councils and boards of Federal Government-owned tertiary institutions.

The approval was given for the effective management of Nigerian tertiary institutions across the country.

It was gathered that the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, announced the inauguration date during her acceptance speech on Monday, while assuming the institution’s affairs.

A total of 560 individuals were appointed to the governing councils and boards of Federal Government-owned tertiary institutions.

For the University of Ibadan, the President appointed Chief Bisi Akande as the Chairman of the governing council. The board members are Alexander Ajipe, Nelson Alapa, Ifeoma Nwankwo, and Prof. Emmanuel Alo.

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) was appointed as the Chairman of the governing council of the University of Lagos. The council members are Bello Kumo, Prof. Idowu Mark, Niyi Akande, and Bola Njoku.

Isa Yuguda chairs the board of the National Open University. The council members are Goddy Etta, Yomi Balogun, Deborah Apah, and Hingah Biem.

Siyan Oyeweso has been named as the chairperson of the governing council of Obafemi Awolowo University. Joining him are Edward Sarki, Joseph Abaagu, Wahaab Owokoniran, and Abubakar Kachaalla, who have been appointed as council members.

Additionally, Adebayo Shittu, Muiz Banire, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa have been appointed as chairpersons of the governing boards for David Umahi University of Medicine in Ebonyi State, Federal University of Transportation in Katsina State, and Federal Polytechnic in Ugep, Cross River State, respectively, among others.