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The Forum of Governing Council Members of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (FOGOCOM) has sent a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for an urgent review of their sitting allowance, the introduction of a monthly allowance, and the establishment of a welfare package at the end of their tenure.

In a press release dated July 30, 2025, and signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Babajide Akin-Thomas, who also serves on the Governing Council of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, FOGOCOM stressed that the current welfare provisions for External Governing Council Members were “not commensurate with the responsibilities, sacrifices, and professional demands of the position.”

Call for Allowance Review After 11 Years

According to the forum, the sitting allowance of between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000 paid every three to four months was last reviewed during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014, over eleven years ago.

“The sitting allowance paid to External Governing Council Members every three to four months ranges between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000. This rate was last reviewed and approved during the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2014—over eleven years ago,” the statement read.

FOGOCOM lamented that the country has since experienced “significant inflation, a rise in the cost of living, and drastic increases in the cost of transportation, accommodation, and other logistics.” The forum maintained that “what was reasonable in 2014 has become grossly inadequate in 2025.”

Travel Costs and Personal Sacrifices

Highlighting the personal sacrifices made by council members, the forum explained that many travel long distances from their states or regions of residence to attend meetings in their respective institutions.

“These journeys often involve multiple days away from home, the cost of inter-state transportation or air travel, hotel accommodation, and daily sustenance,” the statement said.

“When an individual incurs such expenses and receives ₦80,000–₦120,000 once in 3–4 months, it not only fails to cover the costs but also discourages dedicated participation,” FOGOCOM stressed.

The forum reminded the presidency that council membership is not a full-time job and that members often have to “set aside their own personal and professional engagements to attend to national duty.”

Demand for Monthly Allowance

In its proposals, FOGOCOM urged President Tinubu to approve the introduction of a modest monthly allowance that would provide basic support for the responsibilities members undertake between formal meetings.

“We respectfully appeal to Mr. President to approve the introduction of a reasonable monthly allowance for External Governing Council Members,” the forum stated.

“This allowance would serve as a basic support for the ongoing responsibilities we shoulder between meetings, such as committee assignments, stakeholder engagement, policy consultations, and community representation on behalf of the federal government,” it added.

According to the group, such an arrangement would “improve morale, enhance dedication, and ensure we can discharge our duties effectively without financial strain.”

Welfare Package at End of Tenure

FOGOCOM also called for the approval of a modest end-of-tenure welfare package for council members after their statutory four-year service.

“We further plead that, in addition to the sitting and monthly allowances, a modest end-of-tenure welfare package be approved for Governing Council Members after completing the statutory four-year assignment,” the forum appealed.

“This package would acknowledge the years of service rendered to the nation and provide members with something meaningful to go home with after their tenure—a gesture that would encourage future appointees to serve with even greater commitment,” it added.

Respect and Recognition

Another key demand of the forum was for greater respect and recognition of Governing Council Members by the management teams of tertiary institutions.

“We remind all relevant stakeholders that Governing Council Members are Mr. President’s representatives in the management and oversight of public tertiary institutions. As such, we should be accorded full respect and recognition by the institutions’ management teams,” the statement declared.

The forum urged the president to issue a directive ensuring that members are treated “in line with the dignity and authority of their office.”

Commitment to Renewed Hope Agenda

Concluding its appeal, FOGOCOM reassured President Tinubu of its loyalty to the administration’s policies for the education sector.

“In conclusion, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria’s education sector. We are confident that with Mr. President’s listening ear and decisive leadership, these adjustments will not only improve our welfare but also strengthen the governance structure of tertiary institutions in Nigeria,” the forum said.

Dr. Akin-Thomas, on behalf of the forum, thanked President Tinubu for his attention, expressing optimism that the administration would look favorably on their requests.

“We thank His Excellency for his attention and look forward to his favorable consideration,” he stated.

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