Kaduna warns boards against meddling in agency affairs

The Kaduna State Government has charged newly inaugurated governing boards of four state institutions to focus on policy formulation and oversight without interfering in the daily administration of the agencies.

Secretary to the State Government, AbdulKadir Mu’azu Meyere, gave the charge while inaugurating the boards of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, Kaduna State Media Corporation, Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, and Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Authority.

Meyere said a proper understanding of the roles of boards and management was necessary to prevent friction and ensure that the institutions achieved their mandates.

He said governing boards should provide policy direction and oversight, while chief executives and their management teams should remain responsible for the day-to-day running of the agencies.

“A clear understanding of that distinction is the surest guarantee of a harmonious and productive tenure,” he said.

The SSG also urged the board members to operate within the framework of due process, the Public Procurement Act and other applicable financial regulations, stressing the need for prudence and accountability in the use of public funds.

He warned members against allowing personal interests to interfere with their official responsibilities and urged them to protect confidential information relating to the affairs of their respective boards.

“Work in partnership with the Chief Executives and staff of your agencies and set for yourselves clear and measurable targets against which your performance may be assessed,” Meyere said.

He further directed the boards to channel official reports, recommendations and requests through the appropriate government structures to facilitate prompt consideration and action.

Meyere assured the boards that the state government would provide the support required for them to discharge their responsibilities effectively, adding that his office remained available to assist them.

He described the four institutions as important components of Governor Uba Sani’s transformation agenda, particularly in the areas of education, human capital development, media and livestock regulation.

According to him, the Livestock Regulatory Authority has a key role in developing a sector that provides livelihoods for many residents and offers significant opportunities for investment.

He said the Kaduna State Media Corporation was responsible for informing and educating the public while projecting an accurate image of the state.

Meyere added that the Schools Quality Assurance Authority and the Scholarship and Loans Board were central to the administration’s human capital development priorities.

The 16-member Schools Quality Assurance Authority board is chaired by Tanko Kokwain Baji, with the Director-General serving as secretary.

El Sa’ad Yakubu Lere chairs the governing board of the Kaduna State Media Corporation. Other members include Zubairu Balarabe Saminu, Binta Sai’du, Habila Abel Adamu, the corporation’s Managing Director and the Director of Media and Citizens Engagement in the Ministry of Information.

The Scholarship and Loans Board is headed by Lawal Usman, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education as vice chairman and the Executive Secretary as secretary. Its membership also includes Zulai Balarabe Musa and representatives from relevant government ministries and agencies, as well as Zenith Bank’s representative, Polycarp Anjuwa.

David Umar Gurara chairs the 11-member governing board of the Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Authority, with the Director-General serving as secretary.