ASUU Raises Alarm Over Illegal Absence of Governing Councils in Federal Universities
Prof. Osodeke expressed grave concern over the prolonged absence of Governing Councils, emphasizing that it leaves federal universities operating in a legal vacuum. He highlighted the inability of Vice-Chancellors whose tenures are ending to initiate the process of recruiting their successors due to the absence of Governing Councils.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns over the absence of Governing Councils in all federal universities in Nigeria, stating that it renders their activities illegal and poses a significant threat to the institutions.
In an interview with our correspondent on Sunday, ASUU's national president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, criticized the decision by the Bola Tinubu administration to dissolve all Governing Councils in federal universities in June 2023, highlighting the inherent dangers and illegality of operating a university without such councils.
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The Governing Council, responsible for the general control and superintendence of the university's policy, finances, and property, including public relations, plays a crucial role in the administration of universities. Some of its key duties include approving the university's annual budget, overseeing staff recruitment and promotion, approving new academic programs, and ensuring the university aligns with its goals and objectives. Notably, one of its most important tasks is the nomination of the Vice-Chancellor.
Prof. Osodeke expressed grave concern over the prolonged absence of Governing Councils, emphasizing that it leaves federal universities operating in a legal vacuum. He highlighted the inability of Vice-Chancellors whose tenures are ending to initiate the process of recruiting their successors due to the absence of Governing Councils.
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According to Prof. Osodeke, the lack of Governing Councils impedes the proper functioning of universities, as crucial decisions such as awarding contracts and conducting employment procedures require the oversight of these councils. He called on the Federal Government to urgently reconstitute the Governing Councils for all universities or reinstate the ones dissolved last year.
Prof. Osodeke argued that the dissolution of the councils was done illegally, as they typically serve four-year terms and can only be removed if they commit an offense. He stressed the need for due process in the reconstitution or reinstatement of the Governing Councils to ensure the legality and effectiveness of their operations.
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A university Governing Council typically comprises the Pro-Chancellor (Chairman), Vice-Chancellor, External Members, a representative of the National Universities Commission, a representative of the University Senate, and a representative of the University Congregation.
