The Executive Secretary of the⁵ Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called for a strict merit-based system in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors across federal universities.

Echono warned that political interference in the process undermines academic excellence and institutional governance.

He made the call on Thursday while delivering a public lecture on research findings at the University of Abuja, organised by the Abuja Leadership and Governance Centre on the theme: “Leadership Selection Process and Governance of Federal Universities in Nigeria.”

He said the selection of university leaders must be guided by transparency, accountability and competence, noting that political considerations have continued to weaken governance structures and academic performance in the tertiary education sector.

According to him, findings from the study presented at the lecture showed a strong positive correlation between transparent, inclusive leadership selection processes and effective governance in federal universities.

“The research clearly demonstrates that transparent and inclusive leadership selection processes are critical to effective governance in our federal universities. Institutions that prioritise accountability and stakeholder engagement consistently record better governance outcomes and stronger institutional stability,” he said.

Echono added that universities where leadership appointments are conducted fairly are better positioned to achieve academic excellence, strengthen public trust and foster institutional stability.

He stressed that leaders emerging from credible and inclusive processes are more likely to promote research, strengthen academic collaboration and create enabling environments for teaching and learning.

The TETFund boss identified political interference, nepotism and corruption as major obstacles to effective governance in federal universities, warning that such practices erode institutional integrity and performance.

“Political interference, nepotism and corruption remain among the greatest threats to good governance in our universities. When leadership appointments are influenced by factors other than merit and competence, the entire institution suffers,” he said.

To address the challenges, Echono recommended the establishment of clear and standardised guidelines for leadership selection across federal universities, including transparent procedures, qualification requirements and stakeholder participation frameworks.

He also called for the publication of such guidelines to ensure accessibility by students, academic staff, alumni and members of the public.

Echono further proposed the creation of inclusive search committees made up of faculty members, students, alumni and industry stakeholders, saying such representation would enhance credibility and public confidence in the process.

He urged universities to publicly advertise leadership vacancies and clearly outline eligibility criteria, while also calling for reforms in the role of governing councils and selection committees to improve transparency.

According to him, the use of technology-driven systems such as online application platforms, electronic voting systems, virtual town halls and digital reporting tools would further strengthen accountability in leadership appointments.

Echono also recommended periodic independent audits of leadership selection processes and stronger feedback mechanisms to allow stakeholders to report grievances and concerns.

“Accountability must remain at the heart of university governance. Regular audits and credible feedback mechanisms are essential safeguards against abuse, manipulation and violations of established procedures,” he said.

He expressed optimism that implementing the recommendations would strengthen governance structures and improve outcomes in Nigeria’s university system.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, stressed the importance of merit-based leadership and institutional reform in Nigerian universities, warning against the politicisation of vice-chancellor appointments.

He said the lecture series marked an important step in promoting intellectual discourse on governance in higher education, while commending Echono’s public service experience across key federal ministries.

The Director of the Abuja Leadership and Governance Centre, Prof. Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman, said the centre, established by TETFund, is committed to advancing leadership excellence in the country and promoting evidence-based governance reforms.

The lecture also featured a panel discussion in which experts examined challenges in the selection of university leaders and proposed reforms to strengthen governance in the sector. (The Nation)