The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) has expressed concern over the impact of politics and corruption involved in the selection of Vice Chancellors of higher institutions.

The Executive Secretary of TETfund, Sunday Echono, who allayed his fears during his lecture at the 36th Convocation of the Federal University of Technology Owerri on Thursday, said the sponsorship of the selection process of the VCs by politicians has made university administration ?increasingly? local.

He also regretted that the selection of the principal officers of tertiary institutions has become too competitive, thereby making it lucrative for members of the Governing Council, who he said often bow to the highest bidder.

?Our universities have become increasingly local, with the majority of academic and non-academic staff sponsored by local politicians and other leaders from the host communities. Political affiliation has also assumed overarching importance in the selection process.

?The selection process for principal officers is now riddled with corruption as competition is fierce and ruthless. Members of Governing Councils view this assignment as the most lucrative aspect of their duties and often bow to the highest bidder,? Echono said. (Daily Sun)