The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has renewed calls for a strict merit based system in the appointment of vice chancellors across Nigeria’s federal universities, warning that political interference in leadership selection undermines academic excellence, institutional stability and good governance.
Echono made the call on Thursday while delivering a public lecture on research findings at the University of Abuja, where he presented a study on leadership selection processes and governance in federal universities.
According to him, political considerations in the appointment of university leaders have far reaching consequences for governance, academic excellence and institutional development.
Presenting the findings of the study, Echono said there is a strong positive correlation between transparent and inclusive leadership selection processes and effective governance in federal universities.
He noted that institutions that embrace accountability, stakeholder participation and transparency tend to enjoy greater trust, improved governance structures and stronger institutional performance.
“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.
“Where leadership appointments are conducted openly and fairly, universities are better positioned to achieve their academic objectives, strengthen public trust and foster a culture of excellence.”
Echono added that leaders who emerge through credible and inclusive processes are more likely to introduce policies that promote research, strengthen collaboration among scholars and create enabling environments for teaching and learning.
He further observed that federal universities that engage students, faculty members, alumni and other stakeholders during leadership selection processes demonstrate greater commitment to social responsibility and ethical governance.
According to him, such engagement strengthens the legitimacy of leadership appointments and fosters a sense of ownership among members of the university community.
However, the study identified political interference, nepotism and corruption as major obstacles to effective governance in federal universities.
“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,” Echono stated.
“Universities must be protected from undue external influence if they are to fulfil their mandate of producing quality graduates, conducting impactful research and contributing meaningfully to national development.”
To address the challenges, the TETFund boss recommended the establishment of clear and standardised guidelines for leadership selection across federal universities.
He urged policymakers to develop and enforce transparent procedures covering appointment processes, qualification requirements and stakeholder participation.
Echono also advocated making the guidelines publicly accessible to ensure students, academic staff, alumni and members of the public understand the criteria and procedures guiding leadership appointments.
He further called for the establishment of inclusive search committees comprising representatives of faculty, students, alumni and industry stakeholders, arguing that broad representation would enhance credibility, legitimacy and public confidence in leadership selection processes.
“University administrations should establish inclusive search committees that reflect the diversity of stakeholders within the institution. This approach will broaden perspectives, improve transparency and strengthen confidence in the outcome of the selection process,” he said.
On transparency, Echono urged universities to publicly advertise all leadership vacancies, clearly stating qualification requirements and application procedures.
He also called for greater openness in decision making and advocated a review of the role of Pro Chancellors and Governing Council Chairmen who simultaneously serve as heads of selection committees.
The TETFund Executive Secretary further recommended the deployment of technology driven systems to improve transparency and accountability in leadership appointments.
According to him, centralised online application platforms, electronic voting systems, virtual town hall meetings, digital archiving and transparent reporting mechanisms would enhance the integrity of the selection process.
Speaking on accountability, Echono recommended regular independent audits of leadership appointments and governance practices to ensure compliance with established regulations.
He also called for effective feedback mechanisms through which stakeholders can report grievances and concerns relating to leadership selection processes.
“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.
Echono expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations would significantly strengthen governance structures in federal universities and improve educational outcomes nationwide.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, emphasised the importance of academic leadership, institutional reform and merit based governance in Nigerian universities.
He described the lecture series as a significant milestone for the institution, noting that it was designed to promote intellectual discourse on leadership and governance in higher education.
Fawehinmi also commended Echono’s extensive public service career, including his service as Permanent Secretary in key federal ministries such as Education, Agriculture and Communications.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, expressed concern over governance challenges within the university system, warning that some governing councils are increasingly politicising the process of vice-chancellor appointments.
Also speaking, the Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, Prof. Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman, said the centre was established by TETFund to promote leadership excellence in Nigeria.
He noted that the lecture was aimed at reversing the long standing neglect of intellectual contributions and commended the Vice Chancellor for restoring peace and stability to the university within a short period.
The lecture, organised by the Abuja Leadership and Governance Centre, was themed: “Leadership Selection Process and Governance of Federal Universities in Nigeria (1993–2024).”
The event also featured a dialogue session during which experts examined the challenges of leadership selection in universities and explored possible solutions.
