ASUU’s protest: Tinubu orders review of varsity governing councils

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu ordered a thorough examination of the recently established governing bodies for Nigeria's postsecondary educational institutions.

This order comes before the nominees' scheduled inauguration and retreat.

"President Tinubu Directs Comprehensive Review of Governing Boards of Tertiary Institutions," according to a statement released by the State House and signed by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Advisor on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga emphasised that there were disparities in the nominations, with some states obtaining only one nomination and others having many appointments, which meant that the nominees did not accurately represent the federal character of the nation.
"Some states received just one nomination, while others received many," he stated, adding that "the nomination did not reflect the federal character of the country."

Based on a list developed by the Ministry of Education, Tinubu had previously approved the appointment of 555 people to serve as Pro-Chancellors/Chairmen and members of the Governing Boards for 111 federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Significant public outcry, including demonstrations by the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, preceded the request for a review.
The President "acknowledges the feedback from across the nation by directing a comprehensive review of the list of the members of the governing councils."

"President Tinubu is dedicated to making sure that the federal character idea, which is ingrained in the constitution, is strictly followed. In addition, the study would ensure that all regions of the nation are fairly represented by taking into account national spread, according to Onanuga.

May 31, 2024 is the date of the nominees' retreat and inauguration.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto Prof. Attahiru Jega, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, is one of the appointees. Dr. Anthony Usoro, Prof. Usman Musa, R. O. Kazeem, and Mary Yisa are the members.

Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has been named Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University of Lagos Governing Board. Patricia Yakubu, Mrs. Glory Ekpo-Oho, Prof. S.E. Ogbeide, and Rufai Chanchangi are among the other members of the board.