Compliance with the Federal Character Principle is strengthened through regular engagement between the Federal Character Commission and public institutions. These engagements provide an opportunity to review existing practices, identify areas requiring attention and encourage continuous improvement in the implementation of constitutional provisions on equitable representation.
It was against this backdrop that the Federal Character Commission’s Operational Committee on Federal Universities of Agriculture, Technology and Health Sciences held an interactive session with the Management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, to assess the University’s compliance with the Federal Character Principle in recruitment, appointments and personnel administration.
Setting the Tone for the Engagement
The session was chaired by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Dr. Nkechi Gloria Nnoli, Commissioner representing Anambra State, who welcomed the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. F. A. Uba, the Registrar, Mr. Michael O. Ogidi, the Deputy Registrar (Human Resources), Mr. David Obidi and members of the University’s Management.
In her opening remarks, Hon. Dr. Nkechi Gloria Nnoli reaffirmed the Commission’s constitutional mandate to promote fairness, equity, inclusiveness and balanced representation across Federal institutions. She noted that the engagement was not only an opportunity to assess compliance but also to strengthen collaboration between the Commission and the University.
Reviewing Progress and Identifying Gaps
As discussions progressed, the Committee acknowledged a number of positive developments. The University had maintained an up-to-date Nominal Roll, obtained its Certificate of Compliance and ensured the participation of a Federal Character Commission representative during its recruitment exercise conducted on 23 January 2026.
While recognising these efforts, the Committee observed that staff representation across some geopolitical zones remained uneven. Members encouraged the University’s Management to address the identified gaps during future recruitment exercises to achieve broader representation in line with the Federal Character Principle.
The University’s Response
Responding to the Committee’s observations, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. F. A. Uba, explained that he assumed office on 13 May 2026 and inherited a number of administrative challenges. He assured the Committee that the current Management is committed to addressing the identified deficiencies and strengthening compliance with the Federal Character Principle.
The Vice-Chancellor also explained that prevailing security concerns have discouraged some prospective applicants from accepting employment opportunities within the University, contributing to limited representation from certain geopolitical zones. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fairness, equitable representation and sustained collaboration with the Federal Character Commission.
Reinforcing Accountability
Further contributing to the discussions, the Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Isah Jibrin Bida, Commissioner representing Niger State, emphasised the importance of strict compliance with the Federal Character Commission’s Character Balancing Index (CBI). He noted that transparency, accountability and adherence to the Commission’s guidelines remain essential to achieving equitable representation and sustaining public confidence in Federal institutions. He further cautioned that persistent non-compliance with the Commission’s directives could attract appropriate regulatory sanctions.
Key Outcomes
The engagement concluded with both the Committee and the University’s Management reaffirming their commitment to strengthening compliance with the Federal Character Principle. Among the key outcomes were:
- Recognition of the University’s efforts in maintaining an up-to-date Nominal Roll, obtaining its Certificate of Compliance and involving the Commission in its recruitment exercise.
- A commitment to address disparities in staff representation across geopolitical zones during future recruitment exercises.
- Continued adherence to the Federal Character Commission’s Character Balancing Index (CBI) and other regulatory guidelines.
- Sustained collaboration between the Federal Character Commission and the University to promote transparency, accountability and equitable representation.
