Secretary-General at the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU)

The Committee of Vice-chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) is the umbrella organization for Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal, State and Private Universities. Up till the late 80’s, all the universities in the country were owned by the Federal Government but because of the need to expand access, State Governments too started to set up their own universities.

The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) was established in October of 1962 by the Vice-Chancellors of the then-existing Federal University and Regional Universities. The pioneer members were; Professor. Kenneth O. Dike, University of Ibadan; Professor Eni Njoku, University of Lagos; Dr, Gorge Marion Johnson, University of Nigerian Nsukka ; Professor Norman Alexander, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; and Professor G.A Ajose, University of Ife. The Committee started as a forum of discussing problems affecting the universities, exchanging information and ideas on how Vice-Chancellors can resolve challenges at their local levels and more importantly, take common positions on implementation of policies and directives of Government as it affects Higher Education in the country.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Secretary-General

Location: Abuja

Role Specification

• The Secretary General's primary duty is to administer the CVCNU Secretariat and foster and promote the aims of the Organisation as defined by its statute. In this role, the SG serves as the Chief Executive Officer of a moderately complex and growing Organization, with specific duties of ensuring financial stability and efficient management of resources by providing internal leadership, strengthening existing revenue streams, and developing new ones.
• The candidate is also expected to develop services of relevance and value to member- Institutions, oversee the strategic partnerships with other organizations that benefit CVCNU members directly or indirectly.
• Also, the Secretary- General works to attain the strategic vision and objectives, providing representation and advocacy for CVCNU's mission, interacting with leaders of the various member institutions, senior government officials, business leaders, and others within partner organisations and NGOS, and ensuring that CVCNU is best placed to respond to the 21st century challenges while retaining the strength and values that have underpinned the Organization and her peers over the years.

Qualifications

• Each applicant must be a distinguished Professor (preferably a former Vice-Chancellor of any Nigerian University) with several years of teaching and administrative experience at the University level.

In addition, a potential candidate must readily radiate and will be required to provide evidence of achievement in the following areas:
Leadership and Vision:

• An outstanding record of leadership in a large, complex and Innovative organisation; the ability to develop, articulate, and deliver an institutional vision and to support strategic plans and initiatives for the future of the CVCNU
• The ability to motivate and engage member-universities, staff, university proprietors, stakeholders, and government agencies; a track record of successfully leading and managing change, and engaging staff in the process; a sophisticated understanding of changing economic, political, and social environments as they affect universities and the CVCNU; an inspiring leader with the ability to think wittily and act creatively.

Ambassadorial and Networking Capabilities:

• The ability to form and foster networks of International connections in disparate geographic and economic regions of the nation, the developed and developing global regions
• Ability to establish credibility with university leaders, government agencies, NGOs, and industry; ability for national, regional and global advocacy; outstanding interpersonal, communication, negotiation skills, as well as demonstrable evidence of broad international perspectives of higher education and development.

Managerial and Financial Acuity:

• A solid and demonstrable record of excellent management of staff; a proven record of enhancing processes and systems in major organisation through Continuous Improvement Programmes
• A solid and demonstrable record of successful financial management and accountability
• A highly energetic manager with the ability to identify and exploit opportunities; experience in managing organisational complexity;
• Strong understanding of modern corporate governance; experience in driving change, balancing cultural needs and ethos against operational imperatives.

Compelling Personal Qualities:

• The ability to lead and inspire others, fostering an environment that is proactive, accountable, ennobling, and consensual
• The ability to motivate others to perform at their best, both individually and as a team; the gravitas and credibility to influence both within and beyond the higher education space and Institutions
• An avid goal-better, with high energy level and resilience, and ability to initiate and drive decisions; ability to work well under pressure and take considered and measured position, with emotional stability and composure
• A very high level of self- awareness, commitment, and integrity; and a proven commitment to excellence, fairness, equity and equality, diversity, transparency, and firmness in decision making.

Conditions of Service

• Like the Conditions of Service in the Nigerian University System. The appointment shall be for one term of five years, subject to other terms of appointment.

Salary
Comparable with what is obtainable for the leadership of Nigerian Universities.

Application Closing Date
17th June, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Applications should consist of a Covering Letter, a CV which should include narrative detailing the nature and responsibilities of senior posts held and their personal vision plan. Other details include:

• Personal Profile
• Strengths and Skills Summary Education
• Scholarships and Awards (if any)
• Work Experience
• Specialised Training
• Academic Achievements
• Research Teams
• Proposals / Grants (developed, submitted and)
• Information Technology Competencies
• Entrepreneurship and Non-Governmental Activity Experience
• Membership of Professional Societies and Organisations
• Interests
• Soft Skills
• Honours and Awards
• Countries / States of Nigeria Visited
• Languages Spoken, Written and
• Proficiency
• References: Two (include email/phone numbers).

Note

• Applicants should request their referees to send their reports (under separate confidential cover) to a link that will be provided in the application portal.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.