In a decisive move to reform leadership appointments in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has approved a new policy aimed at curbing undue advantage in the selection of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.
The policy bars individuals currently serving in acting capacities from applying for substantive positions unless they resign before the end of their six-month, non-renewable tenure. This reform is designed to foster transparency, promote merit, and level the playing field for all eligible candidates.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the decision follows years of concern over acting officers using their temporary positions to influence appointment processes unfairly.
“This policy is necessary to strengthen governance and restore integrity in leadership selection within federal tertiary institutions,” Dr. Alausa stated.
Governing Councils and management teams have been directed to strictly comply with the new directive, which complements the existing 2013 Guidelines on the Appointment of Principal Officers.
To support implementation, the Ministry has attached two documents: the new policy as Annex I and the 2013 guidelines as Annex II.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to equity and good governance and urged stakeholders to support this reform, which is expected to enhance public confidence in institutional leadership appointments.
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