President Bola Tinubu has instructed a thorough reassessment of the chairpersons and members appointed to govern Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, as per the list issued by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The decision, communicated by Mr. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday, comes in response to the controversy surrounding the composition of the list.

The statement reads “President Bola Tinubu has directed a total and comprehensive review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees.

“The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also announced that the inauguration and retreat for the nominees will take place on 31 May.

However, public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many.

“In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution.

“The review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.”

Since its release approximately a week ago, numerous Nigerians have leveled accusations against the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, alleging a disproportionate appointment of individuals from Adamawa State to the governing councils of various tertiary institutions.

This perceived imbalance, in contrast to the scant representation from states like Niger, has sparked criticism, with many citing a violation of Nigeria’s Federal Character Law governing public office appointments.

Former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigative Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Okoi Obono-Obla, joined the chorus of condemnation.

An unverified list circulating on social media platforms, including WhatsApp, claims that 32 individuals from Adamawa State have secured positions on the councils of tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, while only approximately four individuals from Niger State were similarly appointed.

A lecturer from one of the first-generation universities, who prefers not to be named, expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of 83-year-old former Governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi.

The lecturer lamented Elechi’s extensive tenure in public office dating back to the 1970s, questioning the government’s decision-making process and suggesting it amounts to political patronage.

The source said “Why is the government so clueless like this? How can we turn everything to political patronage? Education, for that matter? This man called, Martin Elechi was once the education commissioner in the old East Central State many years ago. That is quite unfortunate.”