UNILAG Crisis: Buhari Sacks Governing Council, Reinstates Suspended Vice Chancellor, Ogundipe
BY TEMI OHAKWE, ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the recommendations of the Special Visitation Panel reinstating Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as the University of Lagos’ Vice Chancellor
A statement signed by the Director Press and public relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Bem Goong, said the President, who is the Visitor to the University, also approved all recommendations contained in the Special Panel’s report
According to the statement, President Buhari also dissolved the Governing Council of the University of Lagos chaired by Dr Wale Babalakin, who had resigned before now.
The statement said; “Following a review of the report submitted by the Visitation Panel to University of Lagos, the President made the approval of all the recommendations”
It said a major highlight of the report was the submission that the removal of Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe as the Vice Chancellor did not follow due process.
The report noted that; “The Vice Chancellor was not granted an opportunity to defend himself on the allegations upon which his removal was based. He should accordingly be re-instated.
“All allegations made against the Vice Chancellor and the management of the University before and after the Constitution of the Special Visitation Panel should be referred to regular Visitation Panel for thorough investigation and necessary recommendations”
“The process adopted by the Council in the appointment of Professor Omololu Soyombo as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University was inconsistent with the provisions of the Law relating to the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor”
However, the President expressed hope that the steps taken in line with the Visitation Panel’s report will about bring peace, stability, focus and direction in the University.
