FCSC Chairman Advocates for University Governance Reform

Prof. Tunji Olaopa, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), advocated for a fundamental review of the legal framework governing Nigerian universities to enhance their operational and academic autonomy. He made this call on Thursday in Abuja during a special convening focused on “University Governance and the Corporate World: Towards an ‘All-of-People’ Approach to Financing Federal University Lokoja.” Olaopa highlighted that the current governance framework hampers universities' ability to mobilize resources and respond to societal needs.

He urged collaboration among the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other stakeholders to amend existing university establishment Acts. He stressed that increased autonomy should be matched with accountability and a financing framework tied to measurable outcomes.

Additionally, Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, encouraged private sector investment in the university, presenting it as a viable opportunity rather than a charity case.