The Federal Government on Tuesday challenged the governing councils of Federal Universities on revenue generation asking them to explore ways of to broadening so as to diversify ways of generating revenue for the smooth management of the institutions.
Adamu Adamu,the Minister of Education gave the charge at the inauguration of the new governing councils of Federal Universities held in Abuja.
Adamu said that in view of the current economic situation in the country, there is urgent need for federal institutions to learn to manage the scare and limited resources.
He noted that inauguration of the councils is coming on the heels of the completion of the tenure of the immediate past governing councils appointed in 2013.
The minister explained that this is indicative of the high premium governmnet places on the need to have high quality governance to change the fortunes of the Federal Universities.
Adamu said,” In views of the current economic situation in the country, I call for the student management of the scarce resources while efforts should be intensified to broaden the internally generated revenue base of each university and ensure the judicious application of revenues so generated.
He stressed that tertiary education sector particularly the universities are critical to the actualization of the change agenda of the present government .
He noted that councils members must demonstrate a great deal maturity, patience , tact and learn to consult widely at all times.
He added that they should endeavour to withstand undue interference by being honest, transparent and always be guided by the law and statues.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of National Universities Comisssion NUC, Abubakar Rasheed advised the newly inaugurated Governing Councils to display a high standard of determination, focus and excellent no matter the challenges confronting them.
Among the 23 federal Universities whom governing councils were newly reconstituted are Ahmed Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Federal University of Technology MinnaUniversity of Abuja, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, University of Benin, University of Calabar, University of Ibadan and Univerity of Lagos, University of Jos , University of Ilorin.