By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has instructed Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of Federal Universities whose tenures are nearing completion to transfer their responsibilities to one of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs) in their respective institutions. This decision, endorsed by the Senate of each university, aims to facilitate a seamless transition in leadership.
The directive was communicated to the affected VCs through a letter from the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Dr. Chris Maiyaki. The letter referred to a previous correspondence from the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, conveyed by the Director of University Education, Mrs. R G Ilyasu, which mandated the NUC to take this action to prevent any administrative vacuum in the institutions concerned.
The Minister’s communication to the NUC stated: “I am instructed to inform you to kindly disseminate the following information to all Vice-Chancellors whose tenures are concluding soon: to nominate, based on the recommendation of the Senate, a Deputy Vice-Chancellor to assume the duties of the Vice-Chancellor on a temporary basis.
“The Governing Council, upon its establishment, will appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor for a minimum period of six months, during which the Council will initiate the process of appointing a permanent Vice-Chancellor.”
On the other hand, the NUC’s communication to the universities in question stated: “I am writing in reference to our previous correspondence Ref. No. NUC/ES/138/Vol. 65/88 dated May 27, 2024, to convey the directive from the Federal Ministry of Education, as per its letter Ref. No.FME/TE/CU/130/T6/458 dated May 28, 2024 (copy attached), which mandates Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities in the final stages of their tenures to nominate, following the Senate’s recommendation, a Deputy Vice-Chancellor to oversee the Vice-Chancellor’s duties temporarily.”The Governing Councils, post-inauguration, will appoint Acting Vice-Chancellors for a period not less than six months, during which they will begin the process of appointing substantive Vice-Chancellors.
“This Circular supersedes our earlier communication on the same matter. Please accept my highest regards at all times.”
