Promoting fairness and equitable representation within Nigeria’s federal institutions requires more than policies. It requires continuous engagement, collaboration and a shared commitment to upholding the principles established by the Constitution.
As part of its oversight responsibilities, the Federal Character Commission (FCC) regularly engages with federal institutions to assess compliance with the Federal Character Principle, provide guidance where necessary and encourage best practices that strengthen inclusive governance.
In furtherance of this mandate, the FCC Operational Committee on Federal Universities recently held an interactive session with the Management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), focusing on the University’s compliance with the Federal Character Principle.
Strengthening Compliance Through Engagement
The interactive session was led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi, Ph.D. (Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State), and brought together members of the FCC Operational Committee on Federal Universities and the Management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The NOUN delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, alongside the Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, Principal Officers and other members of the University’s Management.
The engagement provided an opportunity for constructive discussions on the University’s compliance with the Federal Character Principle and its role in promoting equitable representation within its workforce and institutional structure.
A Shared Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
During the session, the Committee reviewed NOUN’s level of compliance with the Federal Character Principle and acknowledged the University’s progress in implementing the Commission’s guidelines, particularly the improvements recorded in State representation during the 2025 recruitment exercise.
While commending the University’s efforts, the Committee encouraged the Management to sustain its commitment by ensuring continued adherence to the Commission’s recruitment guidelines, promoting equitable representation and maintaining transparency in institutional governance.
The Committee also emphasised the need for the timely regularisation of staff engaged under approved waiver provisions, prompt processing of Certificates of Compliance after the expiration of approved waivers, equitable representation in the composition of the University’s Principal Officers and deliberate efforts to improve the representation of underrepresented States within the University’s workforce.
The Committee further advised that future vacancies should continue to be widely advertised, subject to the approval of the Federal Character Commission, to guarantee equal employment opportunities for qualified Nigerians and strengthen transparency in the recruitment process.
Responding on behalf of the University, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed Management’s commitment to full compliance with the Federal Character Principle and assured the Committee of the University’s readiness to sustain effective collaboration with the Commission in addressing identified gaps. He also acknowledged the administrative challenges associated with the redistribution of personnel across duty stations while reiterating the University’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and transparency.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of embedding fairness and inclusiveness in recruitment, appointments and administrative processes, recognising that these principles contribute to stronger institutions and greater public confidence.
Key Resolutions
Following the interactive session, the Committee adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening compliance with the Federal Character Principle. The resolutions included:
• Intensifying efforts towards achieving full compliance with the Federal Character Principle.
• Concluding outstanding waiver cases strictly within approved timelines.
• Sustaining recruitment practices that promote equitable representation of all States of the Federation.
• Ensuring future vacancies are widely advertised to provide equal employment opportunities for qualified Nigerians.
• Strengthening collaboration with the Federal Character Commission through periodic monitoring, reporting and compliance engagements.
• Ensuring the composition of the University’s Principal Officers continues to reflect the objectives of the Federal Character Principle.
The Importance of the Federal Character Principle
The engagement was anchored on the Federal Character Principle, a constitutional provision that requires the composition of federal institutions to reflect Nigeria’s diversity and promote national unity.
The Federal Character Commission works with ministries, departments, agencies and federal institutions to ensure compliance with this principle through continuous monitoring, sensitisation and strategic engagement.
By working closely with institutions such as the National Open University of Nigeria, the Commission helps strengthen awareness of its constitutional mandate while encouraging policies and practices that promote fairness and equal opportunity.
Building Stronger Institutions Through Collaboration
At the conclusion of the session, both the Committee and the University reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing equitable representation and strengthening institutional compliance.
The Committee resolved that the University should intensify efforts towards full compliance with the Federal Character Principle, conclude outstanding waiver cases within approved timelines, continue promoting equitable representation during recruitment exercises, widely advertise future vacancies to ensure equal employment opportunities for qualified Nigerians, sustain periodic compliance engagements with the Commission and ensure that the composition of its Principal Officers continues to reflect the objectives of the Federal Character Principle.
The Federal Character Commission remains committed to working with Federal Universities and other public institutions to advance equity, inclusiveness and accountability across the public service.
Through sustained collaboration, monitoring and stakeholder engagement, the Commission continues to promote a public sector that reflects the diversity of Nigeria and strengthens national cohesion.
