President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Federal Government has removed universities from the requirement to obtain recruitment waivers and is taking steps to move them away from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to strengthen institutional autonomy and improve efficiency.
Tinubu disclosed this during the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), Bauchi State, held at the weekend.
The President, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Architect Sunny Echono, said the reforms were designed to make Nigerian universities more competitive and responsive to the needs of the education sector.
Universities to Handle Recruitment More Independently
According to Tinubu, the new arrangement allows the Federal Ministry of Education and university governing councils to play their appropriate roles in staff recruitment without requiring institutions to obtain waivers from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
He said the decision reflected the government’s commitment to improving institutional efficiency and granting universities greater autonomy in managing their affairs.
The President explained that the reform would help universities attract and retain qualified professionals needed to strengthen teaching, research, innovation and national development.
FG Plans Alternative to IPPIS
Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government was taking steps to exit universities from IPPIS and develop a payroll system better suited to the specific needs of the university system.
He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to reform university administration and create an environment that supports staff development, welfare and professional growth.
The President emphasised that lecturers, researchers and administrative personnel remained central to the success of the nation’s education system, adding that the government was committed to promoting merit, productivity and excellence.
Safe Schools Remain a Priority
Tinubu further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that schools and universities remain safe environments for teaching, learning and research.
He said the government was strengthening the security of educational institutions through the Safe School Initiative and other measures aimed at protecting students, teachers and academic communities.
According to him, security in educational institutions goes beyond protecting lives and property, as it is also essential to educational excellence, human capital development and the country’s sustainable growth.
The President urged universities to take advantage of the reforms to strengthen their institutions, improve performance and build a more competitive higher education system.
