The Federal Government yesterday, inaugurated new governing councils for 12 universities and 4 polytechnics.
The 12 universities include Federal University, Lokoja, Lafia, Kashere, Wukari, Dutsin-Ma, Dutse, Ndufu, Alike, Oye-Ekiti, Otuoke, Birnin-Kebbi, Gusau, and Federal University, Gashua.
The polytechnics are Federal Polytechnic of Oil & Gas, Bonny, Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, and National Institute of Construction Technology, Uromi.
The Minister of Education, Malam ibrahim Shekarau, discouraged them from interfering with the management issues in their respective institutions stating that they should be more concerned with policy issues.
He also warned against the embezzlement of funds and that council members should compare notes with government policies to help in decision making.
Shekarau said: “The councils of institutions are constituted according to the extant laws establishing them.
‘’The councils so constituted at the pleasure of Mr. President shall have four years tenure for the universities and three years tenure for the polytechnics, from the date of inauguration, provided the councils are not found wanting on issues of accountability, transparency and due process. However, a council can be dissolved by the visitor at any time.
“The councils shall exercise their powers in accordance with the laws and statutes establishing each university or Polytechnic. Government constitutes governing councils of institutions for the purpose of governance, good management, growth and development.
‘’The councils will, therefore, be free to discharge their functions and exercise their responsibilities accordingly.
“Let me reiterate that effective governance neither entails nor necessitates interference of councils in the day-to-day running of institutions.”
He further urged them to ensure that funds allocated to their respective institutions are judiciously used.
