Olatunji Alausa, the minister of education, has approved the implementation of a guiding policy on eligibility for the appointment of vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts to promote equity, transparency, and integrity in federal tertiary institutions.
Boriowo Folasade, the director of press and public relations made this known in a statement sighted by BusinessDay, when he disclosed that the approval was in line with the federal government’s commitment to promote equity, transparency, and integrity in the appointment process of federal tertiary institutions.
“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.
“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,” the statement read.
Read also: 50,000 int’l students enrolled in Canadian institutions but failed to show in class
However, Folasade explained that 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, while the 2013 guidelines are enclosed as Annex I,” the statement adds.
Besides, the ministry expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their continued dedication and cooperation in upholding good governance and maintaining the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the education sector.
The ministry of education emphasised its belief that the new guiding policy will bring about the desired reforms and enhance public confidence in the selection of principal officers in all federal institutions.
