The Federal Government has ordered the principal actors in University of Lagos (UNILAG) crisis to step aside.
They include the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Council, Wale Babalakin.
Both principal officers are to recuse themselves from official duties pending the outcome of the Special Visitation Panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The announcement was made by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong on Friday and on behalf of the Ministry.
Goong added that “government also directs the Senate of the University of Lagos to immediately convene to nominate an acting Vice-Chancellor from amongst its members for confirmation by the Governing Council.”
The UNILAG Governing Council led by Wale Babalakin sacked the Vice-Chancellor Prof Ogundipe on the 12th of August citing financial impropriety.
On his part, Ogundipe rejected the Council’s decision for lack of due process. The University’s alumni, Senate and labour unions also issued statements to the effect that due process was not followed.
However, Babalakin insists in several media reactions that due process was indeed followed.
The Visitation Panel to the UNILAG crisis comprises 7 members whose tasks includes determining if indeed appropriate steps were taken in the Vice-Chancellor’s removal.
Members of the panel comprise:
- Prof Tukur Sa’ad (Chairman)
- Barrister Victor Onuoha
- Prof Ikenna Onyido
- Prof Ekanem Braide
- Prof Adamu K Usman
- Chief Jimoh Bankole
- Barrister Grace Ekanem (Secretary)
The team will be inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu and has 2 weeks “to make appropriate recommendations including sanctions for all those found culpable.
Read also:
Breaking News !!! Unilag Senate Rejects Actin Vice-Chancellor