The Federal Government has approved a policy establishing eligibility criteria for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts in federal tertiary institutions, aimed at promoting equity, transparency, and institutional integrity.
The approval was announced in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
According to Boriowo, the policy became necessary following observations of an emerging pattern in which officers serving in acting capacities use their positions to influence the outcome of substantive appointments, thereby compromising the fairness of the selection process.
“The policy is necessary to eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates, and strengthen institutional governance,” she stated.
She explained that under the new policy, any officer currently serving in an acting capacity as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position unless they first step down from the acting role.
“In the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles,” Boriowo added.
The Ministry noted that the new policy complements the existing 2013 Guidelines for the appointment of principal officers in tertiary institutions and other extant regulations governing such appointments.
“Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive,” the statement added.
She further disclosed that the policy document and the 2013 Guidelines have been enclosed respectively as Annex I and Annex II for clarity and ease of implementation.
