The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has faulted the prevailing situation where vice chancellors of public universities are deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as returning officers in elections.

He also made a case for strengthening of university autonomy in Nigeria where the institutions are protected from political and oversight interference in the daily administration and management of the institutions.

Echono spoke while delivering a keynote address delivered at the 36th convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, where he pointed out that leadership and governance were integral to overcoming the challenges facing Nigeria?s higher education system and ensuring its long-term development.

According to Echono, experts have observed that over-regulation and excessive interference lessens institutional flexibility which is essential to improve efficiency and productivity.

He added that striking the right balance between government oversight and university autonomy is crucial for the success of public universities as it promotes academic freedom, fosters innovation, and ensures the long-term vitality of these institutions.

Speaking on measures to address challenges related to political interference, the TETFund executive secretary cautioned ?as much as possible, universities should be insulated from political activities such as vice chancellors serving as returning officers in elections?.

He suggested a randomised selection process, excluding vice chancellors, to be put in place, to include consideration of nominations by staff unions or attestations by them.

He maintained that the future of Nigeria?s public universities rests on the foundation of effective, transparent leadership and governance.

He stated that leadership and governance are pivotal to organisational success and societal progress. However, he also cautioned that ineffective leadership could act as a major impediment to the advancement of universities.

?Leadership is not just a title. It is a responsibility. It is not merely about directing others, but about inspiring, guiding, and serving those who place their trust in you. It is about the responsibilities we carry and the example we set.?

Echono highlighted several governance challenges that are currently hampering the effectiveness of Nigerian public universities, stating that ineffective governance structures could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies, slow decision-making, and a lack of responsiveness to changing needs.

He further noted the lack of accountability and transparency in the allocation of resources as one of the key challenges confronting higher education in the country, saying inadequate infrastructure, especially in public universities, impedes effective teaching and learning, research, and student life. (Nigerian Tribune)

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