The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has raised alarm over the increasing politicisation and corruption in the selection of Vice-Chancellors for Nigerian universities.
Speaking on Friday during the Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sunday Echono, expressed concern over how political and local interests have eroded merit in the appointment process.
Echono lamented that the involvement of politicians and community leaders in sponsoring candidates for university leadership positions has led to the “localisation” of university administration, compromising the core values of merit and professionalism.
“Many university staff members are now backed by local politicians and community leaders,” Echono said, adding that the selection process has become highly competitive and lucrative for Governing Council members, who often succumb to financial inducements.
The Impact of Corruption
Echono highlighted how corruption in the selection process has contributed to inefficiencies in university administration.
“The selection process for principal officers is now riddled with corruption as competition is fierce and ruthless. Members of Governing Councils view this assignment as the most lucrative aspect of their duties and often bow to the highest bidder,” he said.
He further disclosed that some Vice-Chancellor candidates are even sponsored by contractors in exchange for future patronage.
“Principal officers exert enormous influence, especially in procurement (Tender Board) and payments for projects, goods, and services. Contractors have been known to sponsor candidates for Vice-Chancellor in return for patronage,” he added.
Proposed Reforms
To address these challenges, Echono called for transparency and accountability in the Vice-Chancellor selection process. He also advocated for decentralising TETFund’s activities to reduce the influence of politics and corruption on university administration.
“Decentralising TETFund’s operations will help ensure that merit-based selections take precedence and diminish the undue influence of local politics,” Echono noted.
A Call for Action
Echono’s remarks underscore the urgent need to reform the governance of Nigeria’s tertiary education system. He warned that the current trend threatens the integrity of the nation’s universities and called on stakeholders to work collectively to restore professionalism and merit in university leadership.
This issue, which has persisted for years, remains a significant obstacle to achieving quality education and fostering innovation in Nigerian higher institutions.
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