The Federal Government has introduced a new policy outlining eligibility requirements for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts in federal tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, approved the policy with the aim of fostering fairness, transparency, and accountability in the selection process.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
Boriowo noted that the decision was prompted by recurring instances where individuals serving in acting capacities had used their temporary positions to sway the outcome of substantive appointments in their favor.
According to her, these actions have compromised the integrity of the selection process over time.
“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,” she said.
She explained that such officers can, however, step down from their acting roles before the end of their non-renewable six-month tenure if they wish to contest for the permanent position.
“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.
Boriowo added that the new directive is designed to enhance the Ministry’s 2013 guidelines on appointments in federal tertiary institutions and is to be enforced alongside existing regulations.
“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.