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FG Inaugurates 21 Varsities’ Governing Councils
The Federal Government in Abuja, yesterday, inaugurated the governing councils of 21 federal universities across the country.
They are: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Others are: Federal Universities of Technology, Owerri, Yola and Minna, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Universities of Abuja, Calabar, Ibadan, Jos, Maiduguri and Port Harcourt.
The rest are Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Universities of Nigeria, Nsukka, IIorin, Uyo and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, who inaugurated the councils, said it became imperative because of allegation of poor governance of universities and total disregard to due process.
Rufa’i said the councils were constituted according to the law establishing them.
“The councils so constituted shall have tenure of four years from the date of its inauguration provided the council is not found to be incompetent or corrupt.
According to her, any council can be dissolved by the Visitor at anytime.
“The powers of the council shall be exercised as in the law and statues of each university.
“Establishment circulars that are inconsistent with the law and statutes of the university shall not apply to the universities.
“Government constitutes the governing councils of these universities for good management, growth and development.
“The council will, therefore, be free in the discharge of its functions and exercise of its responsibilities accordingly,’’ she said.
She advised the councils to be in consultation with the management of the universities in order to be abreast with current laws, policies and white papers, circulars that would help them in taking decisions.
Rufa’i, however, said that the sector was beset with some challenges such as decline in academic standards, poor management of funds, inadequate human resource, physical infrastructure, and access to university education, among others.
“It is clear that the governing council cannot do it all alone, but you shall come up with ideas that will improve and generate more revenue outside government allocation,’’ she said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, commended the Federal Government for reconstituting the councils of the 21 universities.
Okojie said that any state university which did not have a governing council would soon be sanctioned.
“We do not want a situation where a governor will be running the state university from his house without following the rules and regulations establishing the university,’’ he said.
He called on the newly inaugurated councils to be accountable, and urged them to maintain good relationship with the universities management to collectively address the challenges in the Nigerian university system.
The Senate Committee Chairman on Education, Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, said the challenges of funding and indiscipline remained the major problems of the university system
He called on the councils to help in mobilising resources to supplement the budgetary allocation of the government.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
