According to the National institutions Commission (NUC), it is collaborating with pertinent parties to establish basic standards for how Nigerian institutions are to perform events such as convocations and special lectures.
Chris Maiyaki, the NUC’s acting executive secretary, announced this on Thursday in Abuja during a retreat that the Commission hosted for the governing council members.
The head of NUC complained about the deterioration in the standard of these unique lectures and ceremonies, pointing out that this was the essence of a university and postsecondary education.
He observed that because of the adoption of shady local mismatches, special ceremonial events like the Matriculation, Convocation, and the lectures that traditionally preceded them, as well as the inaugural lectures, university lectures, distinguished lectures, faculty lectures, and valedictory lectures, have lost their aura and declined in quality.
According to Maiyaki, the Commission has decided to collaborate with pertinent parties to create the bare minimum of rules for the conduct of university ceremonies in order to address the anomaly.
He stated that in each of the higher education institutions, there was an urgent need to establish a legacy of good governance values, principles, standards, and best practices.
He urged the council members to lead their institutions with integrity and to be as good stewards of their resources.
He asserts that the members are mandated to protecting the reputational capital of the country’s institutions and that they must provide all essential assurances to stakeholders, underscoring the importance of quality to the university system.
What they’re saying
He stated:
“With this goal in mind, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has organised this Retreat, which aims to provide insights into the various instruments as well as relevant legal and regulatory requirements that define the functions of governing councils.”
“We believe that the retreat will assist you to understand the cross-cutting challenges that must be addressed to guarantee that our universities are more effective.
“Your appointment, without a doubt, demonstrates your unwavering commitment to the development of Nigerian company over the years. I am confident that you will bring your dedication and breadth of expertise to bear on the noble mission of allowing our universities to reach their full potential.”Good governance is important to the success of all organisations around the world. It is especially crucial in higher education because a university is, in many ways, a significantly more complex structure than an average institution.
“Governance in higher education necessitates a suitable framework for accommodating a varied range of stakeholders. Indeed, good governance informs and promotes decision-making, allowing a university to expand and develop. He emphasised that only responsibility, transparency, and new techniques can ensure a university’s long-term viability. Maiyaki stated, “Our institutions have a distinguished legacy of cultivating intellectual curiosity, developing talent, and benefiting society via knowledge and discoveries. Higher education institutions are designed to be highly democratic.
“The committee system, which serves as the foundation for decision-making, operates at all levels, from the Council to the academic departments. At scheduled meetings, the method allows for open debate and democratic decision-making on issues. It is consequently critical for Council members to gain significant information of the issues confronting their respective organisations.”
In Essence
By collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the NUC aims to create a framework that ensures these events are conducted with the decorum and respect they deserve. This move can potentially uplift the overall academic environment and reinforce the cultural and intellectual heritage of Nigerian universities.
Establishing minimum standards will help maintain uniformity and quality across all institutions, thereby preserving the essence of higher education.
