Buhari signs polytechnic amendment bill into law

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the polytechnic amendment bill into law.

Umar Yakubu, senior special assistant to the president on national assembly matters (house of representatives), said this while speaking with reporters at the presidential villa on Tuesday.

Yakubu explained that the bill seeks governing council for the polytechnics.

He said the bill, which is an amendment to federal polytechnic act cap 17 of the laws of the federation, provides that membership of council must be a reflection of the federal character.

“Membership of the councils will be a five-man council and will be chaired by a chairman,” Yakubu said.

He said under the new law, council must have a female member and an individual representing the area where the polytechnic is located.

Yakubu said each rector is expected to serve a single term of five years.

“This means that where anyone is currently appointed to serve for four years, it shall be extended to five years,” he said.

According to the aide, the bill would “harmonise” the tenure of rectors and retirement age of staff of all federal polytechnics.

He also said the president also National Institute of Security Studies bill into law.

“It will also serve as a critical research institute for policy initiators and implementors with the view to ensuring that we have competent people managing the nation’s security and for global peace and stability,” Yakubu said.