Determined to promote equity, transparency, and integrity in the selection of top managers of tertiary institutions, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has approved a policy establishing eligibility criteria for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts in federal institutions.
Besides, the minister has also directed all institutions to advertise available vacancies in at least one national daily newspaper, on their respective websites, and in other relevant academic and professional journals.
The Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo disclosed that the policy became
necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leveraged their positions to influence appointment outcomes.
She noted that officers often compromise the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
“The policy is necessary 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 Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment.
“However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles,” she said.
She said the policy complements the Ministry’s 2013 guidelines for appointing Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts, along with other regulations for federal tertiary institutions.
Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders should adhere to the new directive.
“For clarity and ease of implementation, the policy document is enclosed as Annex I, while the 2013 Guidelines are enclosed as Annex II,” she added.
Alausa urged the institutions to advertise in at least one national daily newspaper, on their respective websites, and in other relevant academic and professional journals.
According to him, this directive aims to ensure a transparent, open, and competitive recruitment process that offers equal opportunity to all eligible Nigerians.
“This follows the waivers granted to federal tertiary institutions based on submissions made by these institutions concerning their manpower requirements.
“It is in line with the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of our higher education institutions,” he said.
He reminded all federal tertiary institutions to submit their recruitment needs to the ministry for review by the Committee on Waiver and Recruitment.
“The ministry has put in place adequate mechanisms to ensure compliance and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any institution that fails to adhere to this directive.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains firmly dedicated to promoting integrity and fairness in all matters related to the Nigerian higher education system,” he said.
NAN
