The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, has barred officers serving in acting capacities in tertiary institutions from contesting for substantive positions while still in office.
This decision was announced on Thursday, April 10, 2025, by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, following recent controversies surrounding appointments of heads in some public universities.
According to a statement from the ministry’s Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, the new policy was instituted to curb undue advantages acting officers allegedly enjoy during selection processes. The government observed a recurring trend where acting Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts allegedly influenced outcomes in their favor, compromising fairness and transparency.
The new directive stipulates that such acting officers must step down from their interim positions before applying for the substantive roles.
This provision is aimed at creating a level playing field for all qualified candidates and ensuring institutional integrity.
“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,” the ministry said, adding that this would make them eligible to apply for permanent appointments.
The policy complements the Federal Ministry of Education’s 2013 Guidelines for the Appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts. The ministry emphasized strict compliance from governing councils and management of federal tertiary institutions, noting that detailed policy documents have been made available for clarity.
The new policy comes in the wake of leadership appointment controversies at institutions like the University of Abuja, Admiralty University, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The Ministry expressed optimism that the reform would restore public confidence in the appointment processes across the education sector.
