Consider Merit, Not Politics In Varsity Board’s Appointments- SAN
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Osun State University, Mallam Yusuf Alli, SAN, has advised federal and state governments to always consider merit while making appointments to the board of universities.
Alli spoke at the 2-day leadership retreat organised by UNIOSUN for its governing council members, principal officers, provosts, deans, directors, heads of departments, deputy directors, deputy registrars and deputy bursars, held in Ada, Osun State.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Ademola Adesoji, obtained in Osogbo on Friday, said Alli delivered a paper titled ‘The Interpretation of UNIOSUN Laws,’ at the event.
In his presentation, the UNIOSUN Pro-Chancellor harped on the damage that can be done to a thriving university system when the appointment of its council was not based on merit but rather done for political reasons.
He also charged chairmen of universities’ governing councils to be acquainted with their powers and roles to avoid conflict.
The statement quoting Alli further read in parts, “I have seen so many times in Nigeria, chairmen of councils causing problems for the system because they try to exercise powers not contained in the establishment laws of their universities.
“This is borne out of appointment based on political affiliations and loyalty, which should not be so. To avoid illicit use of power, chairmen of governing councils should lay their hands on a copy of their university laws and acquaint themselves with the powers, roles and responsibilities of their office.
“I also recommend the following for a development-centred Council: abolishment of ‘appointment with statutory favour’, review of the University laws, encouragement of scholarships, background check on individuals to make up Council members, continuous sustainable system for training, amongst others.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Clement Adebooye, commended the state government, as well as, other members of the university’s management for the support given to his administration and sought more intervention for him to consolidate the current gains and further raise the standard already attained by the institution.
