Governing Councils must respect institutional autonomy — Education Minister

By Kunle Sanni –

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has urged newly appointed members of the Governing Councils of federal tertiary institutions to adopt a non-intrusive, collaborative approach in their oversight roles. He stressed that effective governance must respect the autonomy of institutional leadership.

Speaking during the official inauguration of the Governing Councils for federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, Alausa emphasized the need for synergy between the Councils and the management teams led by Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.

“Governing Councils must work closely with university management in a way that is supportive yet non-intrusive,” the Minister said. “Your role is to provide strategic oversight, not interfere in the daily running of the institutions.”

He said the focus should be on shaping sound policies, maintaining financial discipline, and promoting academic excellence in line with existing laws.

The inauguration followed the approval of the Council appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The new Councils are expected to play a key role in advancing reforms and strengthening accountability in federal tertiary institutions.

Alausa congratulated the appointees, describing their selection as recognition of their contributions to national development and a call to serve with integrity and commitment.

“These appointments reflect confidence in your capacity to guide our higher education institutions toward excellence. You must uphold this trust with vision, transparency, and dedication,” he added.

Governing Councils remain the highest policy-making bodies in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, tasked with ensuring good governance, approving strategic plans, and safeguarding institutional autonomy in line with national education goals.