Forum of Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions Endorses President Tinubu During Annual Retreat
By Genesis ogiri, Abuja
The Forum of Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria held its Annual General Meeting and Retreat at the renowned Arts and Cultural Centre in Abuja, under the theme:
“Empowering Tertiary Institutions for National Transformation: The Governing Council’s Role in Realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
This high-level gathering brought together council chairpersons, vice chancellors, rectors, provosts, policymakers, and education experts from across the country to engage in critical dialogue on the evolving responsibilities of governing councils in driving institutional excellence and national development.
The high point of the retreat was a motion moved by Hon. Jude Ogbeche Ngaji, PhD, a member of the Governing Council of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
The motion read:
“Our distinguished National Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, I, Hon. Jude Ogbeche Ngaji, PhD, on behalf of the Forum of Governing Council Members of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, hereby move this motion to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to run for another tenure of four years to continue with his good works; and affirm that we will continue to support all people-oriented programmes and projects of the administration.”
The motion was seconded by Hon. Faisal Lawal, Governing Council Member, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
The Forum unanimously endorsed the motion, stating:
“Having critically examined the current trajectory of national governance and noting the courage, foresight, and tenacity with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has steered the ship of state amidst daunting challenges, we unanimously pass a vote of confidence on his administration.”
In his welcome address, Chief (Hon.) Emmanuel Mbora, Chairman of the Forum and Governing Council Chairman of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, emphasized the urgent need to reposition tertiary institutions as catalysts for innovation, research, and sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of evolving governance structures to meet 21st-century demands—particularly regarding institutional autonomy, accountability, and strategic alignment with national policy objectives.
Throughout the retreat, delegates deliberated on governance best practices, funding models, infrastructure development, and strategies for aligning institutional mandates with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by the Tinubu administration.
A key highlight of the retreat was the collective commendation and formal endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in office. Participants praised the administration’s dedication to revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, citing increased funding, meaningful policy reforms, and consistent stakeholder engagement as evidence of committed leadership.
In the communiqué issued at the end of the retreat, the Forum reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and advocated for leadership continuity to sustain the ongoing progress. It expressed confidence that, under President Tinubu’s continued leadership, Nigerian tertiary institutions would advance in global competitiveness, research capacity, and educational quality.
The Forum also called for stronger collaboration among government ministries, regulatory agencies, governing councils, and institutional management teams to ensure the successful implementation of reform initiatives. Participants reiterated that tertiary education remains central to national transformation and must be prioritized as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.
The retreat concluded with the adoption of strategic resolutions aimed at strengthening institutional governance, deepening innovation ecosystems, and enhancing academic standards across Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
