The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) has called for the National Universities Commission (NUC) to be legally empowered to override regulatory interference by professional bodies in university governance, following concerns over overlapping accreditation processes and the extension of a vice-chancellor's tenure. In a communique issued after its 73rd quarterly meeting in Ibadan, COPSUN Chairman Professor Ayodeji Omole stated that the NUC, as the statutory regulator, should lead accreditation teams, with professional bodies serving only in advisory roles. The group highlighted growing pressure on universities from entities such as the National Board for Technical Education and the National Council for Arts and Sciences, which conduct resource verification, accreditation, and licensing, contributing to 'accreditation fatigue.'
COPSUN specifically criticized the extension of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Akinwunmi’s tenure by two years beyond the statutory five-year term, approved by Governor Gboyega Ajayi Adeleke. The pro-chancellors condemned the move as a violation of the University Miscellaneous Act of 2012, as amended, and urged the governor to revoke the extension. They also directed the university’s pro-chancellor, a COPSUN member, to ensure compliance with legal frameworks to preserve institutional governance. The resolution emphasized that 'the Visitor’s executive pronouncement' to amend the university law to legitimize the extension 'contravenes the existing legal framework.'
The debate underscores tensions between state authorities and academic governance structures, with COPSUN advocating for clearer separation of roles between regulatory bodies and university leadership. The group’s call for NUC empowerment aligns with broader demands for institutional autonomy, as overlapping mandates from professional councils have been cited as barriers to efficient administration. Meanwhile, the UNIOSUN controversy highlights the risks of political interference in academic appointments, raising questions about adherence to statutory timelines and the rule of law in public universities. COPSUN’s stance reflects a broader push to institutionalize transparency and legal compliance in higher education governance.
The developments come amid ongoing scrutiny of university administration in Nigeria, where regulatory frameworks often clash with political and administrative interests. COPSUN’s communique, dated 27 August, also referenced other issues, including the need for systemic reforms to prevent 'multiple overlapping exercises' that strain university resources. The group’s resolutions aim to establish a clearer hierarchy of authority, ensuring that the NUC, as the central regulatory body, retains ultimate oversight while professional bodies operate within defined parameters. The outcome of these calls for reform will likely shape the future of university governance in the country.