President Buhari Suspends UNILAG Pro-Chancellor, Babalakin, VC Ogundipe

• Sacks Acting Vice-Chancellor Shoyomo

• Constitutes visitation panel

BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – Determined to resolve the crisis currently rocking University of Lagos (UNILAG), President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the institution’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.

The decision asking Babalakin and the embattled Ogundipe to recuse themselves from performing official duties for now was contained in a statement signed by the spokesman of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong.

According to the terse press statement, the President also approved the constitution of a visitation panel to address the crisis.

Furthermore, the statement annulled the appointment of Professor Theophilus Shoyomo as acting Vice Chancellor by Babalakin and directed the University’s Senate to meet within one week and decide on a replacement to handle affairs of the institution during the course of investigation.

Members of the panel as listed in the terse statement released on Friday night include:
Professor Tukur Sa’ad as Chairman; Barrister Victor Onuoha – member; Professor Ikenna Onyido – member; and Professor Ekanem Braide – member

Others are: Professor Adamu K. Usman – member; Chief Jimoh Bankole – member; and Barrister Grace Ekanem who will serve as the panel’s Secretary.

Among the terms of reference given to the panel are: To review the report of the Council committee of review on expenditure of the University of Lagos since May 2017 and make appropriate recommendations after affording all those indicted an opportunity to defend themselves;

To examine the steps taking by the council leading to the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and ascertaining whether due process was followed as stipulated in the Universities(Miscellaneous provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 and the principle of fair hearing adhered to; and

To determine whether the process(if any) leading to the appointment of the Ag. Vice Chancellor for university was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act.

The Panel is also expected: To make appropriate recommendations including sanctions for all those found culpable by special visitation team on the allegations contained in the report as well as other subsequent actions among there from; and

To make any other recommendations that will assist government to take decisions that will ensure peaceful, stable, effective administration of the university.

The special visitation panel will be inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu at the Minister’s conference room on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 9am prompt.