Federal Government Inaugurates Education Boards/Councils

Federal Government Of Nigeria

The Federal Government has inaugurated the governing board/councils for the eight parastatals in the Ministry of Education, after more than one year of the parastatals operating without boards.

Two of the parastatals: Tertiary Education Trust Fund and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) which are considered to be among the most strategic, however continue to operate without substantive heads.

It is gathered that the intense lobbying for the positions of Executive Secretary of the two organisations may be responsible for the delays.

The governing boards/councils inaugurated in Abuja on Friday include: Joint Admissions and Matriculation's, National Mathematical Centre, National Commission for Nomadic Education, Nigeria Arabic Language Village, National Commission for Colleges of Education, National Council for Mass Literacy.

Adult and Non Formal Education, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Universal Basic Education Commission and Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo.

The Acting Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike who inaugurated the councils warned the members against any form of undue interference in the running of the parastatals. He also emphasised that the Federal Government's stance on zero tolerance for corruption remained in place.

"The councils need to take note that they have been selected on the basis of integrity. This appointment is therefore not a means of self-aggrandisement and self-enrichment, but a call to serve Nigeria and humanity," he said.

"Your effective governance neither entails nor necessitates interference in the day-to-day running of these agencies. To be relevant and effective in quality output of the agencies, the expectation is that you should be concerned with policy issues, adopting best practices and monitoring institutional projects" Wike added.

He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to reforms in the education sector with an assurance to pursue the Four Year Strategic Plan which he said is intended to actualize the transformation agenda.

"Our ability to maintain competitive advantage is hinged on the education system being alive to its responsibilities of producing world class individuals with the necessary entrepreneurial flair," he said.

Wike urged the board members not to betray the confidence reposed in them as they were appointed on the basis of integrity.