- Last Updated on 06 May 2015
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President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday inaugurated Governing Councils of various federal universities in Nigeria fixing chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as chairmen of the councils.
His appointment and inauguration of the appointees are coming just days away from 29th May when he is expected to hand over power to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.
Some of these beneficiaries include Lt. General Ishaya Bamaiya (retd.), former Chief of Army Staff under late dictator Sani Abacha.
He was appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas in Bonny, Rivers State just like former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, is now to head the Governing Council of Federal University in Kashere, Gombe State.
Also, Chief Olusola Obada, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and ex-Minister of State for Defence, is now to head the Governing Council of the Federal University in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
The tertiary institutions which the appointees are expected to oversee are 13 federal universities, four new polytechnics and Board of National Library of Nigeria.
While inaugurating the appointees at an event where some of the beneficiaries, including Gbenga Daniel, were absent, the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, warned them against undue interference in the activities of the various institutions adding that any of the councils that goes against the rule, would have the court to handle such a person’s case.
He said the Governing Councils should ensure that the funds allocated by government are judiciously utilised while urging the appointees to also come up with ideas to help the institutions generate more funds.
Shekarau said: “In the course of your tenure, you should ensure that proper attention and priority are accorded to the relevant University laws, Polytechnics Act and government guidelines in the appointment of principal officers and other staff.
“You must ensure that transparency, probity and due process are followed in the selection and appointment so that the best and the right candidates emerge for these positions.
“The idea that the Chief Executive or any principal officer should come from its locality is erroneous and alien to the system and should not be allowed to becloud your decisions.
“Merit should be the watchword and guiding principle.”
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