TheCable

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has kicked against the decision of the federal government to dissolve the governing councils of all federal universities in the country.

In June, the National Universities Commission (NUC) dissolved the governing councils of all federal universities following President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

But speaking with NAN, Chris Yilgwan, University of Jos (UNIJOS) ASUU chairman, described the move as “a major setback” for the growth and development of university education in Nigeria.

Yilgwan argued that such directive can cripple the country’s university system if not addressed.

The UNIJOS ASUU chairman also said the dissolution contravened the act establishing federal universities.

“The recent dissolution of the governing councils of federal universities by the National Universities Commission, does not conform with the Miscellaneous Act of 2003 as amended,” he said.

“The Act provided a statutory tenure of governing councils of universities and so they cannot be dissolved at will like other boards.

“The governing council is the highest decision-making body of every university, and once it is dissolved without immediate replacement, it stalls every major decision in the university.

“So, we consider the dissolution as inimical to the progress of the university system and call on the federal government to rescind its decision.”

Yilgwan urged government at all levels to allow the universities to operate in accordance with the law establishing them.