Gbenro Adesina
The Federal Government has stepped into the crisis that has embroiled the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and has set up a Special Visitation Panel, which is to submit the report of their recommendations within two weeks.
The Government also directed the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos, Dr Wale Babalakin and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe to recuse themselves from official duties, pending the outcome of the Special Visitation Panel.
The Senate of the University was also directed to immediately convene to nominate an acting Vice-Chancellor from amongst its members for confirmation by the Governing Council to oversee the affairs of the university in the meantime.
The government’s position was contained in a statement issued on Friday night by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong.
This directive is coming a few hours after Ogundipe dropped a lawsuit he filed at the National Industrial Court to challenge his sack by the university’s Governing Council.
The visitation Panel which is to be inaugurated on Wednesday 26 August 20, is to be chaired by Professor Tukur Sa’ad, with Barrister Victor Onuoha, Professor Ikenna Onyido, Professor Ekanem Braide, Professor Adamu K. Usman and Chief Jimoh Bankole, as members, while Barrister Grace Ekanem, serves as Secretary.
The special visitation panel was given the following terms of reference:
.To review the report of the council’s subcommittee on review of expenditure of University of Lagos since May 2017 and make appropriate recommendations after affording those indicted an opportunity to defend themselves.
.To examine the step taken by the council leading to the removal of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. 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.
.To determine whether the process (if any) leading to the appointment of the Acting Vice-Chancellor for the university was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act.
.To make appropriate recommendations including sanctions to all those found culpable by the special visitation team on the allegations contained in the report as well as other subsequent actions arising from therefrom and to make any other recommendations that will assist the government to make decisions that will ensure peaceful, stable and efficient administration of the university.
