Political Interference Threatens Nigerian Varsities, TETFund Boss Warns

The growing influence of politics and corruption in Nigerian universities is endangering the quality of education and undermining academic integrity, warns Sunday Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). 

During the 36th convocation lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Echono decried the increasing politicization of Vice Chancellor appointments, describing it as a major challenge to university governance. 

He highlighted how financial inducements, and external pressures have tainted the leadership selection process, making it susceptible to manipulation by politicians and local community leaders. “The sponsorship of the selection process of Vice Chancellors by politicians has made university administration increasingly local,” Echono noted. 

Echono revealed that the competition for Vice Chancellor positions has become a lucrative enterprise, with governing council members often targeted for bribes. He also exposed how contractors, in pursuit of profitable procurement deals, sponsor candidates for Vice Chancellor roles. 

“Our universities have become increasingly local, with the majority of academic and non-academic staff sponsored by local politicians and other leaders from the host communities,” he explained. 

He further criticized the growing influence of principal officers, who exert significant control over procurement and payments for projects, often fuelling corruption within the system.   

To curb this trend, Echono called for stronger autonomy for universities to protect them from undue political interference. He emphasized the need for a transparent, merit-based selection process and greater accountability at all stages of leadership appointments. 

“The autonomy of universities needs to be strengthened to minimize political interference,” he stated. 

Following his lecture, the FUTO community honoured Echono with the “Macho Man” statue, a symbol of appreciation for his notable contributions to the institution’s development.