The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has highlighted key factors that should guide the selection of university leaders, drawing from findings of his doctoral research on higher education administration and leadership.
Echono stressed that the appointment of vice-chancellors and other university administrators should be based on merit, competence, integrity and a clear vision for institutional development rather than personal interests or external influences.
According to him, effective leadership remains critical to the growth, stability and global competitiveness of universities, noting that institutions thrive when led by individuals with strong academic credentials, administrative experience and the ability to foster collaboration among stakeholders.
The TETFund boss explained that his research identified strategic planning, accountability, innovation and stakeholder engagement as essential qualities for successful university leadership. He added that leaders must possess the capacity to manage resources efficiently while promoting academic excellence, research and institutional development.
Echono also emphasized the importance of transparent and credible selection processes, arguing that universities can only achieve their mandates when leadership appointments are free from undue interference and guided by established regulations.
He noted that the future of Nigeria’s higher education sector depends largely on the quality of leadership provided at institutional levels, urging governing councils and relevant authorities to prioritize competence and character in leadership appointments.
The TETFund Executive Secretary further called for continuous leadership development programmes for university administrators to equip them with the skills needed to navigate emerging challenges in higher education and position Nigerian universities for greater impact nationally and globally.
He maintained that strong leadership remains one of the most important drivers of academic excellence, innovation and sustainable growth within the university system.