FG Bars Acting Tertiary Institution Heads from Contesting Same Positions

In a major reform aimed at restoring transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Federal Government has officially barred acting Vice Chancellors (VCs), Rectors, and Provosts from contesting for substantive appointments while still in office.

According to a statement released on Monday, April 7, 2025, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, approved a new policy guideline to promote fairness and equity in the selection process across federal tertiary institutions.

“In line with the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Education to promote equity, transparency, and integrity in the appointment process of Federal Tertiary Institutions,” the statement read, “the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has approved the implementation of a guiding policy on eligibility for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts.”

This new policy stems from a pattern the Ministry has observed over the years, where acting officers allegedly leverage their temporary positions to gain an undue advantage in selection processes.

“This policy has become necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leverage their positions to influence appointment outcomes, thereby compromising the fairness and transparency of the selection process,” the Minister said.

To address this concern, the policy now clearly states that any officer serving in an acting capacity will no longer be eligible to apply for the same substantive position unless they resign from their acting role.

“To eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates, and strengthen institutional governance,” the statement continued, “the policy stipulates that any officer serving in an acting capacity as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment.”

However, an exception has been made to allow such officers to voluntarily step down from their acting appointments before the end of their six-month non-renewable tenure if they wish to contest.

“In the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles,” Alausa noted.

The policy is not standalone. It is designed to work in tandem with the Federal Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013) and other existing appointment regulations.

Governing Councils, institutional managements, and other relevant stakeholders are urged to strictly comply with this new directive.

“Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive,” the statement added.

The Ministry further acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders and called for continued cooperation in maintaining integrity within the sector.

“The Ministry appreciates the continued dedication and cooperation of stakeholders in upholding good governance and maintaining the integrity of leadership appointment processes within the education sector. It is our belief that this policy will bring about the desired reforms and enhance public confidence in the selection of principal officers in our institutions,” the statement concluded.