- The union criticised the nonchalant stance of the federal government towards academics in federal universities.
- Academics at the University of Abuja criticized the 35% salary increment for professors and the 25% increase for other university system academics.
The reconstitution of governing councils at public tertiary institutions has been approved by the federal government.
The federal ministry of education’s head of media, Folasade Boriowo, told journalist on Saturday.
Following a decision from the president, the National Universities Commission (NUC) abolished the councils of all federal universities in June 2023.
The federal mandate also had an impact on the boards of directors of parastatals, agencies, and educational institutions that receive government funding.
By requiring these universities, colleges of education, and federal polytechnics to seek ministerial clearance for duties previously supervised by the governing board or councils, it slowed down administrative decision-making in public tertiary institutions.
The re-constitution of governing councils now comes after 11 months of repeated calls from education stakeholders.
Among them is the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which argued that the non-reinstatement or reconstitution of governing councils in universities was causing an uptick in cases of “illegality and flagrant violation” of institutional autonomy in public universities.
Chris Maiyaki, the NUC’s executive secretary, said a committee was set up to ensure the most qualified people are put in the councils.
“As soon as they are constituted, they will be made to undergo orientation courses immediately, to ensure they are in tune with the expectations of the knowledge of government structures and laws of institutions,” the NUC head had stated.
“It will also help them to understand those cross-cutting issues that we need to nip in the bud, to ensure our institutions regain their glorious paths.”
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