In a move to promote fairness and transparency in the selection of academic leaders, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, has introduced a new policy that establishes clear eligibility criteria for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts in federal tertiary institutions.
The Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, explained that the policy was necessary due to the influence of acting officers on appointment outcomes. According to Boriowo, individuals serving in acting roles have been known to use their positions to sway the selection process, undermining fairness and transparency.
“The policy aims to eliminate such practices and ensure that qualified candidates have an equal opportunity, while also enhancing governance structures in these institutions,” Boriowo remarked.
Under the new directive, any officer currently serving in an acting role as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position while holding that role. However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may step down from their acting roles before the expiration of their six-month, non-renewable tenure, making them eligible to apply for the substantive position.
The new policy will work in tandem with the Ministry’s existing 2013 guidelines for the appointment of these key leadership positions, as well as other relevant regulations that govern appointments in federal tertiary institutions.
Boriowo called on all relevant stakeholders, including Governing Councils and Managements, to ensure full compliance with the policy to uphold its intended objectives.
