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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 Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol