The Federal Ministry of Education has postponed the inauguration and retreat for pro-chancellors, chairmen, and members of governing councils of federal tertiary institutions, previously scheduled for May 30-31, 2024.
This decision comes after a presidential directive to conduct a comprehensive review of the membership of the governing councils.
The review was prompted by concerns that the initial nominations did not adequately reflect the federal character of the country, with some states receiving only one nomination while others had multiple appointees.
The President had initially approved the appointment of 555 individuals to serve on the governing boards of 111 federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, based on a list compiled by the Ministry of Education.
The postponement was announced in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press, Folasade Biriowo, who apologized for any inconvenience caused and promised further updates in due course.
The review is seen as a response to public backlash, including protests from academic staff unions, who criticized the initial nominations for lacking representation and balance.