Top Tertiary Positions: Education Minister Approves Eligibility Criteria for Appointment 

A new policy outlining clear eligibility criteria for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts in federal tertiary institutions has been approved by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. 

The policy aims to ensure a fair, transparent, and credible selection process for leadership positions in the nation’s higher institutions.

This was announced in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo said the policy became necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leveraged their positions to influence appointment outcomes.

According to her, these officers also compromise the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

“The policy is necessary to eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates, and strengthen institutional governance.

“The policy stipulates that any officer serving in an acting capacity as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment.

“However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles,” she said.

She added that the policy was designed to complement the Ministry’s existing guidelines for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), along with all other extant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.

“Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.

“For clarity and ease of implementation, the policy document is enclosed as Annex I, while the 2013 Guidelines are enclosed as Annex II,” she added. 

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