Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurum, (FUPRE), Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, has called for full autonomy for universities through the restoration of the Universities Autonomy Act 2004.
He canvassed his position in a paper titled: “Funding options for tertiary education in Nigeria: A note for policymakers” delivered at the 6th annual awards and lecture of Asset Newspapers Ltd, publishers of Daily Asset Newspapers, held in Abuja.
Rim-Rukeh, who bemoaned the erosion of the Act, pointed out the most worrisome aspect to be the manner of appointment of lecturers through the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) backed by a circular and pointed out that this was inconsistent with the provisions of the Act.
He said unless autonomy is provided and universities are able to employ lecturers, there will come a time when there will be no lecturers to take some courses.
The vice chancellor also expressed concern over the composition of governing councils for universities.
“The Act is clear on who to appoint; people who have integrity, are knowledgeable and familiar with the tradition and affairs of the university but today, politicians who have no knowledge of the tradition of universities are appointed. Some do not even speak English and make no contribution at council meetings,” he stated.
He called on vice chancellors to explore areas of funding such as setting up businesses and going into partnership with private organisations on areas of revenue generation.
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Gabriel Suswam, in his address, enjoined the media to continue to report conscientiously as a service to God and humanity.
The former governor who was represented by his wife, Arc Yemisi Susawm, urged the media to hold public office holders and seekers accountable.
He commended the organisers for picking an apt theme for the event, pointing out that education remains the bedrock of the development of any society and hoped that the recommendations for policymakers would see the light of day.
High point of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians, including Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa as Man of the Year; Public Servant of the Year award to the Director General, FCT Emergency Agency (FEMA), Dr Abbas Idriss, Regulator of the Year award to president of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr Ali Rabiu; Excellence in political leadership to Senator Suswam; and Life Time Achievement award to Prof Iyorwuese Hagher, former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada.
