The National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria’s university regulatory body, has been operating without a formal governing board since the expiration of its last board’s tenure in 2021.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the government for not constituting the councils and has recently rejected the constitution of new councils, asking for the reinstatement of previously sacked councils that are yet to complete their tenure.
The NUC’s previous governing board, chaired by the late Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, was appointed in 2018 for a four-year term.
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Despite the expiration of this term in 2021, the federal government has yet to appoint a new board, leaving the commission to operate under interim administrative arrangements.
The absence of a governing board has implications for the strategic direction and oversight of the NUC.
The board is responsible for setting policies, approving budgets, and ensuring that the commission fulfills its mandate of maintaining high standards in Nigerian universities.
Without a board, these critical functions lack the formal structure and accountability required for effective governance.
The NUC’s Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Chris J. Maiyaki, has been overseeing the commission’s activities since June 2023.
While Mr. Maiyaki’s leadership has been acknowledged, the lack of a governing board limits his capacity to implement long-term strategies and reforms.
Like the Nigerian universities that continue to function despite absence of the councils, the NUC may still be carrying out its duties, but the absence of the board will create challenges in terms of governance and decision-making that require input of the Board.
In the meantime, the NUC continues its regulatory functions, including the accreditation of academic programs, quality assurance, and recommendations for the approval of new universities.
The spokesperson for the NUC, Haruna Lawal Ajoh, told WikkiTimes that the governing board would be inaugurated soon.
When asked about new governing board he said “Not yet. In the wisdom of the government, since the tenure of the last Board ended, new has not been inaugurated just like the Councils of the Universities. The list is being reviewed and as soon as it is done, the Board of the NUC and other few parastatals under the Ministry of Education will also be in place.”
Aminu Adamu is the Managing Editor at WikkiTimes, where he oversees editorial processes and contributes to impactful journalism. His reporting focuses on accountability at the grassroots level, climate change, and other underreported issues, particularly within subnational contexts.
Aminu has conducted investigative stories that have been cross-published by reputable media outlets, showcasing his dedication to uncovering critical issues and promoting transparency. In 2023, he was selected as a GovSpend Media Fellow, further cementing his expertise in tracking public spending and governance.
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