By Gabriella Ogbu
The absence of duly constituted Governing Councils in Nigerian federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education has been highlighted as a catalyst for increased corruption and unchecked authoritarianism, according to a report released by the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety).
The report, titled “Absence of Governing Councils in Federal Educational Institutions: A Path to Demigod Status for Vice-Chancellors and Increased Corruption,” was signed by principal officers Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chinwe Umeche, Obianuju Igboeli, and Chidinma Udegbunam.
Nigeria boasts 203 federal government-controlled degree-awarding institutions, including universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education. However, Intersociety expressed deep concern over the unilateral dissolution of Governing Councils by the Nigerian government, leaving these institutions without lawful oversight for the past ten months.
This lack of oversight has transformed Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts into “demigods and outlaws,” as stated in the report. The government’s actions, which bypassed established statutes and regulations, have raised alarm over unchecked power and rampant corruption within these institutions.
Intersociety called upon the Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to urgently convene the Governing Councils of affected institutions and adhere to democratic principles and due process. They emphasized the importance of merit-based appointments and the avoidance of discrimination in all federal office appointments and postings.
Furthermore, the report urged the government to ensure that new Vice-Chancellors are appointed through transparent and diligent processes, preventing the installation of individuals tied to outgoing leadership’s interests.
The absence of Governing Councils has allowed institutional leaders to engage in illegal activities, including imposition of unlawful levies, favoritism, nepotism, contract inflation, and the initiation of wasteful projects. Such unchecked power threatens the integrity and academic standards of these institutions.
As Nigeria navigates these challenges, the restoration of Governing Councils and adherence to constitutional principles are essential to combat corruption and uphold the values of transparency and accountability in its educational system.
