Buhari Dissolves UNILAG Governing Council, Reinstates Ogundipe as VC

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dissolution of the Wale Babalakin led Governing Council of the University of Lagos, Akoka, with immediate effect over leadership crisis that engulfed the institution.

He has also approved the reinstatement of the suspended Vice-Chancellor of the University,  Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, indicating that his removal was without due process.

Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben-Bem Goong, conveyed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying that the President after careful review of the report has approved all the recommendations of the Panel.

Buhari in taking the decision said he hoped the steps would bring peace, stability, focus and direction to the University, while also directing that 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 a thorough investigation and necessary recommendations.

Chairman of the panel, Tukur Sa’ad, had submitted a report of the committee to the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, on Thursday, 17th September 2020.

The terms of the reference of the special visitation panel were to review the report the council sub – committee of review of the 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 whether the process (if any) leading to the appointment of the acting vice Chancellor (Theophilus Soyombo) for the university was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act.

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

The statement made available to newsmen reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the University of Lagos has approved the Report of the Special Visitation Panel to the University of Lagos.

“The highlights of the findings and recommendations approved by Mr President are as follows:

“The removal of Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe as the Vice-Chancellor did not follow due process.

“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 a 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.

“The Governing Council should be dissolved. The President after careful review of the report has approved all the recommendations of the Panel.

Accordingly:

“Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe is hereby reinstated as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos.

“The Governing Council of the University of Lagos Chaired by B. O. Babalakin is hereby dissolved.

“The President hopes these steps will bring peace, stability, focus and direction to the University.”