Nigerian Education Minister Calls for Accountability in Universities

The federal government has called on vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities to uphold transparency, accountability, and due process in various institutional activities, including financial management and admissions. This directive was given by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, during the 2026 retreat of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.

Ahmad emphasized that effective leadership and sound governance are crucial for achieving sustainable excellence in the Nigerian University System (NUS). She encouraged university heads to establish clear visions and create conducive environments for academic activities.

The retreat, themed “Enhancing Regulatory Compliance, Governance, Leadership, and Partnership in the Nigerian University System,” aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming the university system. Ahmad also noted the impact of artificial intelligence and digital learning on higher education, stressing the importance of protecting academic integrity.

Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, executive secretary of the NUC, highlighted the retreat as an opportunity to assess university education and identify sustainable solutions to current challenges.