The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) has expressed concerns over regulatory interference by professional bodies in university administration. In a communique signed by its chairman, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, after its 73rd quarterly meeting in Ibadan, COPSUN urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to include members of professional bodies on its accreditation teams for universities. This move aims to eliminate the growing interference of professional regulatory bodies in university governance.
According to COPSUN, professional bodies subject universities to multiple overlapping exercises such as resource verification, accreditation, indexing, induction, and licensing. These acts put a lot of pressure on the universities, leading to accreditation fatigue in most universities' systems. The committee received reports from various universities highlighting the challenges posed by these regulatory activities. COPSUN emphasized the need for a streamlined regulatory framework to ensure efficient university administration.
COPSUN resolved that the NUC should be legally strengthened and empowered to exercise overriding authority over university administration nationwide. The committee suggested that professional bodies should serve only as part of the accreditation team, being headed by NUC. This proposed reform aims to reduce the regulatory burden on universities and ensure a more cohesive governance structure.
The committee also addressed the issue of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Osogbo, whose tenure was extended by two years beyond the statutory five-year term through an executive pronouncement by the Visitor. COPSUN deemed this extension contrary to the existing legal framework and resolved to formally notify the Visitor, Governor Adeleke, of the University regarding this illegality.
COPSUN urged the Visitor to adhere strictly to the existing law of the University in line with the University Miscellaneous Act of 2012, as amended. The Pro-Chancellor of the University, who is a member of COPSUN, was also urged to adhere to the law and due process to safeguard the governance integrity of the university system. This move aims to ensure that universities operate within the bounds of the law.
The Committee of Pro-Chancellors emphasized the need for regulatory reforms to ensure efficient university administration. By strengthening the NUC and streamlining regulatory activities, universities can focus on their core academic functions. COPSUN's proposed reforms aim to promote a more harmonious relationship between universities and regulatory bodies.
The implementation of these proposed reforms will require collaboration between the NUC, professional bodies, and universities. COPSUN's efforts aim to promote a more efficient and effective regulatory framework for the Nigerian university system. The committee's resolutions are expected to shape the future of university administration in Nigeria.
Key points
- Committee of Pro-Chancellors calls for regulatory reforms to eliminate interference by professional bodies
- Proposed reforms aim to strengthen NUC's authority and streamline regulatory activities
- COPSUN urges adherence to existing laws and due process in university administration
