The Federal Ministry of Education has introduced a major policy reform aimed at strengthening transparency, equity, and integrity in the appointment process of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts in federal tertiary institutions.
In a press statement released in April 2025 and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, approved a new policy that restricts individuals serving in acting capacities from vying for substantive leadership positions while still holding such acting roles.
The policy was introduced to address a recurring pattern where acting officers allegedly exploit their temporary positions to influence the outcome of selection processes in their favor. This practice, the Ministry says, undermines fairness and public trust in the system.
According to the new directive, any person currently acting as a Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost will not be eligible to apply for the substantive role unless they first step down from their acting position before the end of their non-renewable six-month tenure. This is intended to level the playing field for all qualified candidates.
The policy complements the existing Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), and stakeholders”including Governing Councils and institution managements have been urged to ensure strict adherence.
The Ministry expressed confidence that the new directive will reform appointment processes across federal tertiary institutions and restore public confidence in the leadership selection system.
Annexes of the policy and the 2013 Guidelines have been made available to aid proper implementation.
