NUC Assures Resolution to ASUU Strike Threat: Government Moves to Revamp University Governing Councils
Reconstituting the councils for 61 universities is a significant undertaking, according to Maiyaki, who acknowledged the impact of their absence on the administration of universities.
Binye-lum 
In response to the strike threat by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, has assured that the Federal Government is actively working to reconstitute the Governing Councils of universities.
Maiyaki confirmed that a panel, led by the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has been established to finalize the list for the councils. He emphasized that the councils will be inaugurated once the list is completed. Maiyaki made these remarks during a media parley with education reporters in Abuja, where he urged patience from ASUU leadership during this process.
Reconstituting the councils for 61 universities is a significant undertaking, according to Maiyaki, who acknowledged the impact of their absence on the administration of universities. He stressed the government's commitment to ensuring that qualified individuals with the right pedigree are appointed to these councils.
Maiyaki also addressed concerns about the alleged proliferation of universities in Nigeria, stating that the current number of 272 universities under the NUC is insufficient to meet the growing demand for higher education. He highlighted the need to establish more universities to accommodate the increasing demand for quality education in the country.
Additionally, Maiyaki outlined the strategic priorities identified by the NUC to enhance the nation's university system, which include curriculum development, quality assurance, research and innovation, infrastructure development, and internationalization.
The NUC's efforts come amidst ongoing challenges in the Nigerian higher education sector, with stakeholders calling for reforms to address various issues affecting the system.
