By Seyi Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a complete and comprehensive examination of the process following inconsistencies in recent selections to tertiary institution governing boards.
Through his media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President stated on Thursday that the evaluation should occur before the candidates’ inauguration and retreat.
Recall that, following threats by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to go on strike over alleged delays in forming governing councils, the Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, pro-chancellors, and members of university, polytechnic, and college of education boards and councils.
The Ministry under the purview of Mamman Tahir was also planning a retreat for the nominees and had also announced that the inauguration will take place on 31 May.
The latest directive from the Presidency may have been ignited by public reactions.
It was alleged that the nominations did not reflect the Federal Character principle as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many.
In directing a complete review of the list of members, Tinubu acknowledged the feedback across the country.
Onanuga said Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of Federal Character as entrenched in the Constitution.
“The review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy stated.