Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos,
Wale Babalakin, and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin
Ogundipe.
The Federal Government on Friday directed the
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos,
Wale Babalakin, and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe to
recuse themselves from official duties, pending the outcome of the
Special Visitation Panel set up by the President.
The information was announced in a press statement signed by the
Federal Ministry of Education spokesman, Ben Goong.
“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
statement added.
Babalakin’s Governing Council had, on August 12, sacked Ogundipe
as Vice-Chancellor over alleged financial misappropriation and
misconduct.
Ogundipe, however, rejected the Council’s decision, saying the
University’s due process had not been followed.
The University’s Senate, alumni, and labour unions also put out
statements saying the due process had not been followed.
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But Babalakin, in several media reactions, insisted that due
process had been complied with in terminating Ogundipe’s
appointment.
The Presidential Panel, made up of seven members, is expected to
determine whether the required steps were taken by the Council in
sacking Ogundipe.
They are also expected “to make appropriate recommendations
including sanctions for all those found culpable” in the
investigation, which is expected to last for two weeks.
The panel will be inaugurated by the Minister of Education,
Adamu Adamu, on August 26.
Members of the panel include Professor Tukur Sa’ad (Chairman),
Barrister Victor Onuoha, Professor Ikenna Onyido, Professor Ekanem
Braide, Professor Adamu K. Usman, Chief Jimoh Bankole and Barrister
Grace Ekanem (Secretary).