(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Ruqayyatu-Ahmed-Rufa'i-300x224.jpg) The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i, has said that the transformation Agenda of this administration as it concerns the education sector is on course. This is even as she acknowledged that the sector is faced with myriad of problems, but added that the government has taken measures in tackling them head-long.
The Minister stated this while inaugurating the governing Councils of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; University of Benin, Edo State; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University of Lagos, Akoka, in her office.
Bemoaning that the sector is beset with some challenges that have incapacitated the sector from achieving its set goals within the record time, the Minister noted that these challenges did not come overnight, but an outcome of a long time of neglect and poor management.
''Let me reassure all Nigerians that the reform of the education sector remains on course. As a developing country, our drive for social progress and economic advancement depends largely on the progress we make in research and technology. There is no place more suited to begin this process than our Universities and similar institutions of higher learning.''
In doing this, the Minister said, the Federal Government has not only continued to increase the budgetary provision for the education sector, but recently awarded scholarships in some selected field of studies to 101 first class graduates of Nigerian Universities, to pursue Master's and Doctorate Degrees in top 25 Universities around the world under the Presidential Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development (PRESSID).
She said that University Governing Councils are constituted in accordance with law establishing them, and shall have a tenure of four years from the date of its inauguration, provided the Council is not found to be incompetent or corrupt, with a view to enhance good management, growth and development of the institutions.
However, she said Government has become inundated with allegations of poor governance in the Universities in recent times, as well as total disregard for due process; adding that the former Governing Council of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, University of Benin and Obafemi Awolowo University, were among the Governing Councils that were not allowed to serve out their term of office due to issues that were identified as detrimental to the good of the institutions.
Therefore, she said the appointment of the chairmen and members of the Governing Councils of the four Universities was done after a meticulous search, saying that their appointment was due to their proven integrity and contributions to human endeavor; and urged them to bring to bear their wealth of experience on the management of the universities. This is even as she called on them to adhere to the rule of law and due process in discharge of their responsibilities.
''Let me reiterate that your effective governance neither entails nor necessitates interference of the Councils in the day-to-day running of the institutions. To be relevant and effective in the management of your respective institutions, Governing Councils are rather expected to be concerned with policy issues, adopting best practices, and monitoring of institutional projects and getting more funding outside government to improve facilities and infrastructure that will promote teaching , research and learning of your institutions.''
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said that their appointment was due to their proven record, expressing belief that they are prepared for the assignment, while urging them to demonstrate high level of commitment.
Senator Uche Chukwumerije, in his goodwill message said that in the recent past, there have been complaints of either lack of leadership or poor quality of Governing Council members, which has impacted negatively on the institutions. However, he said from the caliber of people appointed into the Governing Councils of the four universities, better things will be witnessed in the institutions.
Speaking in the same vein, the Acting Chairman, House Committee on Education, Rose Okoh, urged the Council members to be proactive in proffering solutions to the challenges facing the institutions, and pledged that the House would continue to provide the legal framework for their effective performance.
Also speaking, the National Universities Commission's Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie, expressed gratitude for the constitution of the Governing Councils of the four universities, saying that a time has come to look at the laws governing the universities vis-a- vis how they operate in other climes. He said that while there has been cry for University autonomy, which has been granted, Nigerian Universities are yet to attain financial autonomy.
Speaking on behalf of other Chairmen of the Governing Councils, Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos, Prof. Jerry Gana, thanked the Federal Government for finding them worthy for the appointment.
He said that they are aware of the nature of the assignment, and promised to give their utmost at ensuring that peaceful atmosphere exist in the institutions to enhance scholarship.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria