Politicising vice chancellor’s appointment threatens excellence in nation’s varsities –Echono
By Uji A Iliyasu Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called for the adoption of a strictly merit-based system in the appointment of Vice Chancellors across Nigeria’s federal universities, warning that political interference in leadership selection poses a serious threat to academic excellence and effective governance.
Echono made the call on Thursday while delivering a public lecture at the University of Abuja. The lecture, organised by the Abuja Leadership and Governance Centre, was titled “Leadership Selection Process and Governance of Federal Universities in Nigeria (1993–2024).”
Presenting findings from his research, the TETFund boss said there is a strong positive relationship between transparent, inclusive leadership selection processes and effective governance in federal universities.
He said institutions that promote accountability, stakeholder participation and transparency tend to record better governance outcomes, stronger institutional performance and increased public trust.
“The research clearly demonstrates that transparent and inclusive leadership selection processes are critical to effective governance in our federal universities,” Echono said.
“Institutions that prioritise accountability and stakeholder engagement consistently record better governance outcomes and stronger institutional stability.”
He noted that leaders who emerge through credible and transparent processes are more likely to implement policies that encourage research, strengthen academic collaboration and create conducive environments for teaching and learning.
Echono further observed that universities that involve students, faculty members, alumni and other stakeholders in leadership selection processes demonstrate a stronger commitment to ethical governance and social responsibility.
Such participation, he said, enhances the legitimacy of appointments and fosters a sense of ownership among members of the university community. However, he identified political interference, nepotism and corruption as major obstacles to effective governance in federal universities, warning that leadership appointments influenced by factors other than merit and competence undermine institutional development.
“Political interference, nepotism and corruption remain among the greatest threats to good governance in our universities. When leadership appointments are influenced by factors other than merit and competence, the entire institution suffers,” he stated.
To address these challenges, Echono recommended the establishment of clear and standardised guidelines for leadership selection across federal universities. He urged policymakers to develop and enforce transparent procedures covering appointment processes, qualification requirements and stakeholder participation.
He also advocated making such guidelines publicly accessible to ensure that students, staff, alumni and members of the public fully understand the criteria and procedures guiding leadership appointments.
The TETFund Executive Secretary further called for the creation of inclusive search committees comprising representatives of faculty, students, alumni and industry stakeholders, arguing that broader representation would enhance credibility and public confidence in the process.
On transparency, he urged universities to publicly advertise leadership vacancies, clearly outlining qualification requirements and application procedures. He also recommended a review of the role of Pro-Chancellors and Governing Council Chairmen who simultaneously head selection committees.
Echono additionally advocated the deployment of technology-driven systems such as centralised online application platforms, electronic voting systems, virtual town hall meetings and digital archiving to strengthen accountability and transparency in leadership appointments.
He also stressed the importance of regular independent audits and effective feedback mechanisms to ensure compliance with established regulations and address grievances arising from leadership selection processes.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, underscored the need for academic leadership, institutional reform and merit-based governance in Nigerian universities.
He described the lecture series as a significant milestone aimed at promoting intellectual discourse on leadership and governance in higher education.
Fawehinmi also expressed concern over what he described as the growing politicisation of vice-chancellor appointments by some governing councils.
Also speaking, the Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman, said the centre was established with TETFund support to promote leadership excellence in Nigeria.
The event featured a panel discussion during which experts examined challenges associated with leadership selection in universities and explored strategies for strengthening governance and institutional effectiveness across the nation’s higher education sector.