The Federal Government has made an appeal to the Academic Staff Union of Universities as the threat of another strike looms over the reconstitution of governing councils in public universities.
Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, disclosed on Wednesday that efforts were underway to reconstitute the governing councils of universities.
He stated that the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, had initiated a panel to work on the list for the councils, which would be inaugurated once finalized.
Addressing concerns raised by ASUU regarding the two-week ultimatum issued to the government, Maiyaki emphasized the complexity of the task at hand.
“To reconstitute the councils of 61 universities is not a small feat,” he stated, acknowledging ASUU’s role in advocating for the welfare of its members and the overall improvement of university activities.
Maiyaki urged patience from ASUU, stating, “We want them to be patient with the government during this period.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to appointing qualified individuals to the councils to effectively execute President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Furthermore, Maiyaki highlighted the need for expanding access to higher education in Nigeria, citing the current inadequacy of 272 universities to accommodate the growing demand for quality education among Nigerian youths.
The NUC has also undertaken initiatives to enhance the nation’s university system, focusing on curriculum development, quality assurance, research and innovation, infrastructure development, and internationalization, among others.
Maiyaki emphasized the importance of embracing contemporary global best practices, such as the implementation of open and distance learning guidelines, to assure quality education delivery.
