BREAKING: Tinubu Takes Major Decision on University Recruitment, Removes Long-Standing Hurdle

…New policy empowers university governing councils as FG announces billions for education, research and staff welfare

President Bola Tinubu has announced a major policy shift in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, removing federal universities from the requirement to obtain recruitment waivers from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

The decision is aimed at strengthening university autonomy, easing administrative bottlenecks and enabling institutions to recruit personnel more efficiently to address staffing shortages.

The announcement was made during the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), in Bauchi State, on Saturday, where 50 pioneer graduates received their degrees.

Tinubu, who serves as visitor to all federal universities, was represented at the ceremony by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono.

According to the President, the reform was incorporated into recent agreements between the Federal Government and university staff unions as part of broader efforts to improve the administration and operations of tertiary institutions.

“This measure empowers the Federal Ministry of Education and university Governing Councils to discharge their respective responsibilities in staff recruitment, enabling institutions to respond more effectively to their legitimate manpower needs,” Tinubu said.

The development is expected to give university authorities greater flexibility in addressing personnel shortages without the additional administrative requirement of obtaining recruitment waivers from the OHCSF.

FG Moves to Reform University Payroll System

Beyond recruitment, Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government was taking steps to improve personnel and payroll administration in tertiary institutions through the migration of their staff from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

He explained that the transition was designed to enhance transparency, accountability and payroll efficiency while ensuring timely and accurate salary payments.

The initiative is also expected to accommodate the operational peculiarities of universities and other tertiary institutions.

The President said the measures reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional autonomy and creating an environment conducive to teaching, research, innovation and effective service delivery.

Tinubu Announces N8bn Intervention for Health Sciences University

At the ceremony, the President also disclosed that FUHSA had received an initial N8 billion intervention through TETFund to support its establishment and development.

He explained that the investment was informed by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare system and highlighted the need to strengthen the country’s capacity to train medical professionals and conduct health-related research.

Tinubu said further support would be provided through TETFund’s regular and special interventions, alongside allocations in the 2026 national budget for infrastructure, including roads, lecture halls, laboratories and utility vehicles.

He also revealed that the Federal Government had provided N10 billion for the National Research Fund in the 2026 fiscal year.

The President urged universities, particularly specialised institutions such as FUHSA, to prioritise research that addresses Nigeria’s pressing healthcare challenges.

FG Announces Allowances for University Staff

Tinubu further disclosed that the Federal Government had signed agreements with academic and non-academic staff unions on the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA).

According to him, the allowances would take effect from January 1, 2026, and cover universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

He said the agreements recognised the distinct but complementary roles of academic and non-teaching personnel in ensuring the effective administration of tertiary institutions.

“Both categories are indispensable to the delivery of quality education and national development,” the President stated.

The agreements form part of ongoing engagements between the Federal Government and education sector unions over staff welfare and the conditions necessary for effective teaching, research and institutional administration.

1,798 FUHSA Students Benefit From Education Loans

The President also revealed that 1,798 students of FUHSA, representing 43 per cent of the institution’s student population, had secured support from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic session.

He said the student loan scheme was designed to ensure that financial difficulties would not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

Tinubu congratulated the university’s 50 pioneer graduates, urging them to use their knowledge and professional skills to improve healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians.

“Your success will be measured not only by your personal achievements but also by the positive difference you make in the lives of others,” he said.

He urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, compassion and service as they begin their careers, stressing that patients’ welfare and the interests of society must remain central to their work.

Tinubu Charges FUHSA to Become Centre of Excellence

The President commended the university’s management, staff and governing council for laying the foundation of the institution.

He urged them to build FUHSA into a leading centre for health sciences education, research and innovation.

He also encouraged the university to strengthen its international collaborations with institutions such as the University of Miami, Boston University and Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Tinubu emphasised that such partnerships must translate into measurable improvements in teaching, research and healthcare delivery.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting FUHSA’s development, expressing confidence that the institution would contribute significantly to producing competent health professionals and researchers for Nigeria’s healthcare system.