To strengthen the management and governance of specialized tertiary institutions in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of new governing councils for 13 federal universities and institutes.
The list of institutions includes the Nigerian Maritime University in Delta State, the Nigerian University of Science and Technology in Abuja, and the Admiralty University in Delta State, among others.
The appointments, announced by the Special Adviser to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, aim to provide these institutions with experienced and diverse leadership to guide their operations and development.
“The new governing councils will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, policy formulation, and overall management of these specialized tertiary institutions,” Ngelale said.
The chairpersons and members of the various governing councils have been carefully selected to bring a wealth of expertise and experience to their respective institutions.
For the Nigerian Maritime University, the governing council is led by Temi Harriman as the Chairman, with Adeola Adeogun, Benedict Aguele, Freeman Kasa, and Babangida Alhassan Abdullahi as members.
Similarly, the Nigerian University of Science and Technology in Abuja will be guided by a council chaired by Rabe Mudi Bala, with Akinola Fagbemi, Rakiatou Bagnou, Alwel Egwurugu, and Femi Osabinu as members.
Other notable appointments include Bram Baifa as the Chairman of the Federal University of Agriculture in Bayelsa, Ahmadu Barau Banye Salisu as the Chairman of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Delta State, and Habib Mohammed Ibrahim as the Chairman of the Federal University of Medical Sciences in Katsina State.
The governing councils are expected to work closely with the management and faculty of these institutions to drive academic excellence, research, and innovation, while also fostering strong partnerships with industry and the community.
“These appointments demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering specialized tertiary institutions and ensuring they have the necessary leadership and resources to fulfill their mandates,” Ngelale added.
The move is widely seen as a positive step towards enhancing the quality of education and research in Nigeria’s specialized tertiary institutions, which play a crucial role in producing skilled professionals and driving technological advancements.
Education experts have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the new governing councils will bring fresh perspectives and strategies to address the unique challenges faced by these specialized institutions.
“The composition of the governing councils reflects a balance of expertise and diverse backgrounds, which should provide a robust framework for decision-making and effective oversight,” said Dr. Fatima Adamu, an education policy analyst.
As the new governing councils take office, they will be tasked with implementing strategic plans, improving infrastructure, and fostering strong collaborations with industry and international partners to elevate the status of these specialized tertiary institutions.
The move is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to revitalize the education sector and ensure that Nigeria’s tertiary institutions are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy.
