The rift between the University of Lagos (UNILAG) administration and the Governing Council deepened on Wednesday with reports the Council had allegedly voted to remove the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, from office.
The Nation learnt the Council took the decision during its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Council Chair, Dr. Wale Babalakin, moved the meeting to Abuja following ASUU’s declaration he should not visit the institution’s campus as he had been declared a persona non grata.
According to a note shared among members of the university community and attributed to those at the meeting, Babalakin said he would announce an Acting VC by 5pm on Wednesday.
The note credited to Prof Olukemi Odukoya reads: “Dear Senate members, it is with great regret that I announce to you that the Pro-Chancellor has had his way in actualising his machinery to remove the Vice Chancellor.
“At today’s 12th August 2020, Emergency Meeting of Council in Abuja, Dr. Babalakin asked the VC and DVC (DS) to leave the meeting and by vote of 6 to 4, announced that the Vice Chancellor has been removed.
“Members, arise, this is unacceptable. We must defend the Management of the University.”
Another Senate representative on the Council, Prof. Bola Oboh wrote: “Dear Senate members, the University of Lagos regulation has been stepped on and ridiculed.
“Babawale Babalakin, the Pro-Chancellor waited for the tenure of Prof. Chukwu and Prof. Familoni to end, to call an Emergency Council meeting.
“Based on the Dagari report, without allowing the VC defend himself, the Pro-Chancellor called for a vote for the removal of the VC.
“I (Prof. Oboh), Prof. Odukoya, Prof. Leshi and John Momoh voted against the removal of the VC.
“Six persons (excluding Babalakin) voted for. Babalakin then went ahead to announce the removal of the VC.
“Dear Senate members, the procedure for removal of persons in office is clear and this was pointed out to Babalakin several times but he turned deaf ears.
He said he will announce the Ag. Vice Chancellor at 5pm. I have excused myself that I need to report to Senate members the shameful act currently ongoing. Please let us arise to fight this.”
Details shortly…
