By Ikenna Nwokedi
The National Universities Commission (NUC) have directed outgoing Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities who are winding off their tenures to hand over to their most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University which is in line with extant regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities.
This directive was made public in a letter signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Chris J. Maiyaki to Vice-Chancellors of All Federal Universities dated 27th May, 2024 with memo number, NUC/ES/138/Vol.65/88 captioned, “HANDOVER PROTOCOL FOR OUTGOING VICE-CHANCELLORS.”
The letter read: “I write to convey the directive of the Honourable Minister of Education, to the effect that Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, who are rounding up their tenures should hand over their responsibilities to the next most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, in line with extant regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities, which stipulates that Vice-Chancellors are not to remain in office beyond their designated terminal dates.
“This measure is to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in the leadership of the Universities, thereby maintaining the requisite stability and continuity for the effective administration and academic performance of the various institutions. Out-going Vice-Chancellors are further, requested to ensure that a detailed hand over report documenting key activities, ongoing projects, University assets, financial statements and any other pertinent information, forms part of the handover process. Please note that the Federal Ministry of Education and your respective University Senates must be duly notified of your handover before the terminal dates.
“The Federal Ministry of Education appreciates the contributions of all outgoing Vice-Chancellors and anticipates your cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition process. This directive is effective immediately and compliance is mandatory. Please accept the renewed assurance of my highest considerations and best wishes always,” the letter read.
