‘No Vice Chancellor Shall Emerge From An Acting Position Again’, FG Approves New Guidelines For Such Appointments
The Oasis Reporters
April 10, 2025
The kind of struggle and political brinkmanship that saw to the emergence of a substantive Vice Chancellor in her 40s from a position as an acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja would no longer be allowed to happen, according to a report by Gabriel Dike in The Sun Nigeria newspapers.
Here’s the report:
The federal government has introduced new guidelines for appointing vice-chancellors (VCs) in universities, rectors in polytechnics, and provosts in colleges of education.
This move aims to stop the frequent protests over these appointments. Acting principal officers can no longer contest for these permanent roles while in their temporary positions.
A statement from Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, said the guidelines promote equity, transparency, and integrity in federal tertiary institutions.
Titled “Education Minister Approves Policy to Strengthen Integrity in Selection of VCs, Rectors and Provosts,” it explained that Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa approved the policy.
“This 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,” it read.
“To eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates, and strengthen institutional governance, the policy stipulates that any officer serving in an acting capacity as VCs, rectors and provosts shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment,” it said. However, acting officers can step down before their six-month term ends to apply.
“In the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting position before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) have recently opposed appointments lacking due process. They sent petitions to the Presidency and the Education Minister. The new policy builds on the 2013 Federal Ministry of Education guidelines and other rules for federal institutions.
The statement urged compliance. “Governing councils, management, and relevant stakeholders are requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive,” it warned. It also thanked stakeholders for supporting good governance and integrity in leadership appointments. “It is our belief that this policy will bring about the desired reforms and enhance public confidence in the selection of principal officers in our institutions,” it concluded.
The Sun.
