The Federal Government, in response to a significant presidential directive, has made the decision to postpone the inauguration of the governing councils of federal tertiary institutions. Originally scheduled for May 30th and 31st, this event has been delayed to allow for a comprehensive review of the councils’ membership.
Folasade Boriowo, a respected figure in the Ministry of Education as the Director of Press and Public Relations, has issued a statement expressing regret for any inconvenience caused by the postponement.
The statement, titled “Postponement of the Inauguration and Retreat for Membership of Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions,” reads:
“The Federal Ministry of Education regrets to announce the postponement of the Inauguration and Retreat for Pro-Chancellors, Chairmen, and Members of Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions, earlier scheduled for Thursday, 30th and Friday, 31st May 2024. This is a result of the Presidential directive, as conveyed by the State House Press Release dated 23rd May 2024, for a comprehensive review of the membership of the Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough review of the governing boards for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. This directive, announced five days after the Federal Ministry of Education released them, aims to ensure a more balanced and representative composition of the boards.
Onanuga highlighted that the nominations did not reflect the country’s federal character, with some states receiving only one nomination while others had multiple appointees. He stated:
“The nominations did not reflect the country’s federal character, as some states got just one nomination while others got many. The President, in directing a complete review of the list of the members of the governing councils, acknowledges the feedback across the country. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution. The review will also consider the national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.”
Further updates on the inauguration and retreat will be communicated in due course.
