The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has approved a policy establishing eligibility criteria for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts in federal tertiary institutions.

This is to promote equity, transparency, and integrity in the selection process.

A statement released in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo, revealed this development.

Boriowo said the policy became necessary following a pattern of undue advantage observed over the years, where officers serving in acting capacities often leveraged their positions to influence appointment outcomes.

According to her, these officers also compromise the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

"The policy is necessary to eliminate this practice, ensure a level playing field for all qualified candidates, and strengthen institutional governance.

"The policy stipulates that any officer serving in an acting capacity as Vice Chancellor, Rector, or Provost shall not be eligible to apply for the substantive position while still holding the acting appointment.

"However, in the interest of fairness, such officers may choose to recuse themselves from their acting positions before the expiration of their non-renewable six-month tenure, thereby becoming eligible to apply for the substantive roles," she said.

She added that the policy was designed to complement the Ministry's existing guidelines for the appointment of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts (2013), along with all other extant regulations governing appointments in federal tertiary institutions.

"Governing Councils, Managements, and relevant stakeholders are hereby requested to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.

"For clarity and ease of implementation, the policy document is enclosed as Annex I, while the 2013 Guidelines are enclosed as Annex II," she added. (NAN)