The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has stated that the Federal Government will not interfere with the autonomy of federal universities.
This is enshrined in the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Act which empowers universities to discharge their responsibilities without undue external interference.
Speaking when the management of the University of Jos led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, paid a visit to his office in Abuja, the Attorney-General pointed out that the government would only perform its statutory role of providing the necessary funding and ensuring overall guidance as long as the management of the institutions conduct their activities within the ambit of their mandates and exercise their powers responsibly.
Briefs of the visit were made available to newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital by the Senior Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications, Abdullahi Abdullahi.
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As an alumnus of the University of Jos himself, 1984 Graduate of Law, Fagbemi promised to throw his weight behind the university’s preparations towards hosting the next edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) competition, saying that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya and his team are doing great work to position the institution on a higher pedestal.
Also, he pledged his readiness to key into some of the university’s flagship initiatives, including the building of a legacy project and presentation of a distinguished alumni lecture at the university after studying all the necessary details.
According to him, the products of the university have always been outstanding in their various fields of endeavour, adding that the university authorities should continue pursuing the path of excellence in scholarship and holistic human development.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos sought the Minister’s support towards encouraging the Federal Government to allow Nigerian Universities to operate with greater independence as conferred by the statutes establishing them, and in line with international best practice.
Tanko said it will enable the institutions to compete favourably with their peers around the world.
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