The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to take stronger regulatory control of the university system. This move aims to curb growing interference by professional bodies in university administration. COPSUN also urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to adhere strictly to the law governing Osun State University (UNIOSUN). The committee expressed concerns over a reported two-year extension of the Vice-Chancellor's tenure beyond the statutory five-year term.
COPSUN issued a communique at the end of its 73rd quarterly meeting in Ibadan, signed by its Chairman, Professor Ayodeji Omole. The committee urged the NUC to include representatives of relevant professional bodies in its accreditation teams while ensuring these teams remain under the authority of the commission. This request aims to prevent overlapping activities and "accreditation fatigue" across the university system. COPSUN reported that its member universities have experienced significant pressure due to increasing interference from professional regulatory bodies.
According to COPSUN, reports from its member universities indicate that professional regulatory bodies are increasingly interfering in university governance. This interference includes resource verification, accreditation, indexing, induction, and licensing. The committee described this development as placing significant pressure on universities and resulting in "accreditation fatigue" across the university system. COPSUN emphasized the need for the NUC to exercise overriding authority over university administration nationwide.
COPSUN received a report that the Vice-Chancellor's tenure at UNIOSUN had been extended by two years beyond the statutory five-year term. This extension was made through an executive pronouncement by the Visitor, with a proposal to amend the university law to legitimize the extension. The committee described the reported extension as contrary to the existing legal framework. COPSUN resolved to formally notify Governor Adeleke, as Visitor to the university, of its position.
The committee urged Governor Adeleke to adhere strictly to the existing law governing UNIOSUN, in line with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2012, as amended. COPSUN also urged the Pro-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, who is a member of the committee, to ensure compliance with the law and due process. This move aims to safeguard the integrity of university governance. The committee emphasized the importance of upholding the law and due process in university administration.
COPSUN's call for stronger regulatory control by the NUC aims to prevent further interference in university administration. The committee believes that the NUC should be legally strengthened and empowered to exercise overriding authority over university administration nationwide. Professional bodies should serve only as part of the accreditation team, headed by the NUC. This move seeks to ensure the smooth operation of universities and prevent accreditation fatigue.
The issue highlights the need for clear guidelines and regulations in university administration. COPSUN's efforts aim to ensure that universities operate within the existing legal framework. The committee's resolutions emphasize the importance of upholding the law and due process in university governance. Governor Adeleke and the NUC must consider these concerns to prevent further conflicts and ensure the smooth operation of UNIOSUN and other universities.
Key points
- COPSUN urges NUC to take stronger regulatory control of the university system.
- Committee warns Governor Adeleke to adhere to law governing UNIOSUN.
- COPSUN seeks to prevent interference in university administration by professional bodies.