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FG Stops Acting VCs, Rectors, Provosts From Contesting Substantive Positions

The policy, which was announced by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo on Thursday morning was said to have 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.”

The statement noted that the new policy aims 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.

It read, “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.

“This policy is designed to complement the existing Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), along with all other extant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.

“Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with 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.

“The ministry appreciates the continued dedication and cooperation of stakeholders in upholding good governance and maintaining the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the education sector. 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.”

Certain institutions notably the University of Abuja, Admiralty University, the Nnamdi Azikwe University among others were recently in the eye of the storm following controversies which trailed the appointment of new institutional heads.

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In a decisive move to uphold transparency and fairness in the appointment processes of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, has introduced a policy barring individuals serving in acting capacities as Vice-Chancellors (VCs), Rectors, and Provosts from contesting for the substantive positions while still holding their acting roles. This policy aims to eliminate undue advantages and strengthen institutional governance.

The necessity for this policy emerged from a series of controversies surrounding the appointment processes of institutional heads in various universities and tertiary institutions across the country. Notably, institutions such as the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Admiralty University, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) have been embroiled in disputes over alleged irregularities and undue influences in their leadership selection processes.

1. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA):

   In December 2024, members of the UNIABUJA Governing Council petitioned the Federal Ministry of Education, alleging irregularities in the selection process for the Vice-Chancellor position. The council members claimed that the governing council had dismissed over 87 applications and shortlisted only three candidates, seemingly favoring a particular individual. Concerns were also raised about adjustments to the advertised criteria, notably the omission of the standard prerequisite of ten years of professorial experience, which the selected candidate did not meet at the time. These developments led to the dissolution of the university’s governing council and the reversal of the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2025. citeturn0search6

2. Admiralty University:

   Admiralty University faced a crisis following the appointment of Professor Lucia Chukwu as the substantive Vice-Chancellor. The university’s governing council announced the appointment, but the council’s chairman, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, described the announcement as “illegal,” citing discrepancies in the selection process. The Federal Government intervened, nullifying the appointment and reinstating Professor Christopher Ogbogbo as the new substantive Vice-Chancellor. citeturn0search1

3. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU):

   In November 2024, amidst a leadership tussle, the Federal Government dissolved the governing council of NAU and removed the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and the registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike. The council’s actions were deemed illegal, leading to the reinstatement of Professor Joseph I. Ikechebelu as the acting Vice-Chancellor.

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Announced by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, 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.

This policy is designed to complement the existing Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), along with all other extant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.

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The policy has elicited varied reactions from stakeholders:

Some councils have expressed support for the policy, viewing it as a necessary step to promote fairness and transparency in the appointment process. However, there are concerns about potential challenges in implementing the policy, especially in institutions facing leadership shortages.

ASUU has welcomed the policy, describing it as a long-overdue intervention to restore integrity to the appointment process. The union has expressed hope that the policy will reduce manipulation and undue influence in the selection of institutional heads.

Some acting Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts have expressed concerns about the policy, particularly regarding the requirement to step down from their acting positions to contest for substantive roles. There are fears that this could lead to a loss of influence and may disadvantage those who are unable to secure the substantive positions.

The successful implementation of the policy may face several challenges:

There may be resistance from certain university managements and stakeholders who perceive the policy as detrimental to their interests.

Disqualified individuals may seek legal redress, challenging the policy’s fairness or legality.

Without robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, some institutions may attempt to circumvent the policy, undermining its objectives.

To address these challenges and ensure the policy’s success, the following measures are recommended:

Educate all stakeholders about the policy’s objectives and provisions to foster understanding and compliance.

Collaborate with the National Assembly to enshrine the policy into law, providing a stronger legal framework for enforcement.

Create dedicated committees to oversee adherence to the policy and address any violations promptly.

Implement mechanisms to protect individuals who report breaches of the policy, encouraging transparency and accountability.

Allow institutions to provide feedback on the policy’s implementation, enabling continuous improvement and adaptation.

The Federal Government’s policy to prevent acting Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts from contesting substantive positions while in office represents a significant effort to reform leadership appointment processes in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. By addressing potential conflicts of interest and promoting merit-based selections, the policy aims to enhance governance and restore public trust in the higher education sector. However, its success will depend.