President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reconstitution of Governing Councils of 23 out of the 40 federal universities in the country for a period of four years, in the first instance.
A statement signed by the minister of education, Malam Adamu Adamu said that the reconstitution of the governing board is based on the power conferred on him by the laws establishing the federal universities in the country.
Adamu adamu said that the institutions affected are those whose Governing Councils’ tenures have elapsed or would on 9th April, this year, adding that in making the appointments, the President took cognizance of the requirements for membership into Governing Councils, which include among others, a minimum of a university degree, high integrity, and commitment to educational development of the country.
“In addition, consideration was also given to geo-political spread, in order to reflect federal character and foster sense of belonging.
The affected universities and their Chairmen are as follows:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – AVM Muktar Mohammed
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka – Chief Mike Olorunfemi
- University of Lagos – Dr. Wale Babalakin
- Federal University of Technology, Owerr (FUTO) – Prof John Ofem
- University of Calabar – Sen. Nkechi Justina Nworgu
- University of Ibadan – Joshua Waklek, mni
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Uni (ATBU), Bauchi – Amb. Niniola Nimota Akanbi
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK) – Prof. Ibrahim Gambari
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) – Se. J.K.N. Waku
- Fed. Uni of Petroleum Res., Effurum (FUPRE) – Prof Shehu Abdullahi Zuru
- Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna – Prof Femi Odekunle
- Michael Okpara University of Agric, Umudike (MOUAU) – Engr. Bello Suleiman
- Modibbo Adama University of Tech, Yola – M. Bukar Zarma
- Nmandi Azikiwe University, Awka – Alhaji Aziz Bello
- University of Abuja – Alhaji Sani Maikudi
- Fed University of Agric, Abeokuta – Dr. Aboki Zhawa
- Fed University of Agriculture, Makurdi – Prof Alkassum Abba
- University of Benin – Alhaji Isah Ashiru
- University of Ilorin – Dr. Jibril Oyekan
- University of Jos – Prince Tony Momoh
- University of Maiduguri – Prof. Biodun Adesanya
- University of Uyo – Prof. A. C. Awujo
- Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Rtd Hon. Justice Pearl Enajere
The education minister said that the universities that are not affected by the reconstitution are the Governing Councils of the 12 new Federal Universities in Lokoja, Otueke, Gashua, Dutsin-Ma, Oye-Ekiti, Lafia, Gusau, Wukari, Kashere, Birnin-Kebbi, Dutse and Ndifu-Alike-Ikwo, adding that they were inaugurated in March, last year.
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife and University of Port Harcourt, he said, were re-constituted in January this year, even as he said that the tenure of the council of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) will elapse in January 2018.
“The new Governing Councils are to be inaugurated at the auditorium of the National Universities Commission (NUC) on a date to be announced soon.” [myad]
