FG Bars Acting VCs, Rectors, Provosts From Contesting Substantive Positions
The Federal Government has barred acting Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts from applying for substantive leadership positions in their institutions unless they resign from their current acting roles.
The directive, contained in a circular dated April 28, 2025 and signed by the Ministry of Education Director, Press and Public Relations Boriowo Folasade, noted that the new policy is aimed at eliminating the unfair advantage acting heads often wield during selection processes.
The government mandated that to be eligible for appointment into any of these principal offices, an acting head must voluntarily step aside before the end of their non-renewable six-month acting tenure.
โThis policy has become necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leverage their positions to influence appointment outcomes, thereby compromising the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
โTo 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,โ the circular read in part.
The circular further noted that the policy is intended to complement the existing 2013 Federal Guidelines, along with all other extant regulations on the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.
โGoverning 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,โ it added.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facetsย ofย theย society.
