FG Explains Federal Universities’ Chancellors Selection Criteria

The Federal Government has said it appointed 38 varsity chancellors from outside the geographical location of each chancellor to cross-fertilize diverse cultural backgrounds and ensure synergy among them. The Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, disclosed this at the Palace of Eze Cletus Ilomuanya in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, during the formal presentation of the Monarch’s appointment letter as Chancellor, Federal University, Bernin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, the Permanent Secretary and Heads of Parastatals under the Ministry, including the Rector and Provost of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, both in Owerri. Also present was the registrar of Federal University, Bernin Kebbi, Alhaji Ibrahim Mungadi.

Shekarau said: “The essence is for the chancellors as fathers, to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians other than their own immediate constituencies and by so doing, enhance the peace, stability and progress of Nigeria.” He described Eze Ilomuanya as a highly detribalized and respected traditional ruler in the country, pointing out that he was carefully selected alongside 37 other prominent monarchs.
The Minister noted that as a trail blazer, Eze Ilomuanya had been in the fore-front of peaceful co-existence of various sections of the country, stating that his appointment was an indication of the honour and respect the Federal Government had for him. Responding, Eze Ilomuanya thanked the Minister of Education and the Federal Government for the honour done him.
He assured that he would not relent in his task of ensuring a peaceful, united and stable Nigeria, where all would be regarded as one, irrespective of religion, tribe and language. It was gathered that Eze Ilomuanya and the Emir of Kano, who now doubles as the Chancellor of University of Benin, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido, are the only two traditional rulers who the Minister personally delivered their appointment letters as chancellors.