TETFund Boss Decries Political Influence, Corruption In VC Appointments
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sunday Echono, has raised the alarm over the growing influence of politics and corruption in the appointment of Vice Chancellors in Nigerian universities, describing the trend as detrimental to the quality of higher education.
Speaking at the 36th convocation lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Echono, on Saturday, highlighted how political interference and financial incentives are eroding the sanctity of university leadership selection processes.
“The sponsorship of the selection process of Vice Chancellors by politicians has made university administration increasingly local,” he stated, emphasising that the undue influence of external forces has compromised the integrity of the process.
Echono expressed concern that the competition for these appointments has become a lucrative venture, turning members of governing councils into targets for financial inducements.
“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,” he lamented.
The TETFund boss further revealed that the financial stakes tied to these positions have emboldened contractors to back candidates for Vice Chancellors in exchange for patronage in procurement processes.
“Principal officers exert enormous influence, especially in procurement (Tender Board) and payments for projects, goods, and services. Contractors have been known to sponsor candidates for Vice Chancellor in return for patronage,” he said.
Call for autonomy, accountability
To restore credibility to the leadership selection process, Echono advocated for greater autonomy for universities to shield them from political interference.
He also stressed the need for decision-makers to uphold transparency and implement clear criteria in selecting university leaders.
“The autonomy of universities needs to be strengthened to minimise political interference,” he asserted, adding that accountability at every level of the selection process is vital for fostering integrity and meritocracy.
After delivering his lecture, Echono was honoured with the statue of “Macho Man,” a symbol of his significant contributions to FUTO’s development and a gesture of appreciation from the university community.
