Jonathan Appoints Gbenga Daniel, Abacha’s Aide Varsities Council Chairmen

President Goodluck Jonathan has announced the
appointment of some key members of the
Peoples
Democratic Party as Chairmen of the Governing
Councils of some federal universities, with three
weeks left for his administration.
While a former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba
Gbenga Daniel, is the Chairman, Governing
Council
of Federal University in Kashere, Gombe State; a
former Deputy Governor of Osun State and ex-
Minister of State for Defence, Chief Olusola Obada,
heads the Governing Council of the Federal
University in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
A former Chief of Army Staff during the regime
of the late dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, Lt. Gen.
Ishaya
Bamaiya (retd.), was also appointed Chairman,
Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic of
Oil
and Gas in Bonny, Rivers State.
Although Daniel and Bamaiyi were absent at the
inauguration ceremony, Obada and others
received
their letters of authority.
At the event held on Tuesday in Abuja, the
Minister
of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau,
inaugurated the Chairmen and Pro-Chancellor of
the University of Ibadan, Governing Councils of 12
new federal universities and four new
polytechnics and Board of National Library of
Nigeria.
He cautioned them against undue interference in
the day-to-day running of the institutions, adding
that governing councils found wanting would be
dissolved, even though they have not reached
the
constitutionally required provision of four years
for
universities and three years for polytechnics.
The Minister said, “Governing Councils should
ensure that the funds allocated by government
are
judiciously utilized. They should also come up
with
ideas that will generate more revenue, outside
government allocations.
“In the course of your tenure, you should ensure
that proper attention and priority are accorded to
the relevant University laws, Polytechnics Act and
government guidelines in the appointment of
principal officers and other staff. You must ensure
that transparency, probity and due process are
followed in the selection and appointment so that
the best and the right candidates emerge for
these
positions.
“The idea that the Chief Executive or any principal
officer should come from its locality is erroneous
and alien to the system and should not be
allowed to becloud your decisions. Merit should
be the
watchword and guiding principle.”
The Executive Secretary of the National
Universities
Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, cautioned the
Governing Councils against exhibiting
domineering
attitude.
The NUC boss urged them to play their roles and
strengthen the structure of the nation’s
universities.