The Federal Government has declared an end to corruption and impunity in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, warning that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership will now be strictly enforced across the sector.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering an address at a retreat organised by the Conference of Heads of Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and similar institutions for council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” Alausa said the government would no longer tolerate financial recklessness, abuse of office or unethical practices in tertiary institutions.
“The era of impunity in our institutions is over. We demand fiscal discipline, timely audits and zero tolerance for corruption in order to build public trust and attract investment,” the minister said.
He charged governing councils and management teams to uphold transparency, accountability and ethical leadership, urging them to avoid conflicts of interest, ensure prudent management of resources and prioritise merit in appointments and promotions.
Beyond governance reforms, the minister called for a comprehensive transformation of polytechnic education, stressing innovation and sustainability as key drivers of national development.
“Polytechnics are not mere institutions; they are the crucibles where innovation meets practicality, where skills forge economic resilience, and where sustainable development becomes a lived reality for our nation,” he said.