The Federal Ministry of Education has postponed the inauguration and retreat for pro-chancellors, chairmen, and members of governing councils of federal tertiary institutions.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry cited a federal government directive for the postponement. This follows a State House Press Release dated May 23, 2024, which called for a comprehensive review of the nominees’ membership.
The inauguration and retreat were originally scheduled for Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 2024.
“We regret any inconveniences this may cause,” the statement added.
The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, pro-chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, said public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country, as some states got just one nomination, while others got many.
“In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country.
“President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution,” Onanuga said.
He added that the review will also consider national representation to ensure all parts of the country are adequately represented.
In another development, the Bauchi zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) criticized the appointment of the nominees on Tuesday.
They argued that it would be better for the Bola Tinubu-led administration to reinstate the previously dissolved members.