The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Friday commended the Federal Government for suspending from their official duties both the chairman of the governing council, Dr. Wale Babalakin and the embattled Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.
It described the decision as not only a welcome development, but also a courageous step.
The chairman of the branch, Dr. Dele Ashiru, said the Federal Government’s decision would provide room for all the parties involved in the crisis, which had rocked the university in the last eight days, to present their cases before an independent panel constituted to investigate the matter.
“So, our union,” he said, “Appreciates the Federal Government for this courageous step to halt Wale Babalakin’s shenanigan in UNILAG.”
The Federal Government had on Friday
suspended the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, over the lingering crisis.
In a statement signed by the spokesman of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, the Federal Government picked a visitation panel to look into the crisis and proffer solutions.
Members of the panel are 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).
President Muhammadu Buhari in the statement gave the panel the following terms of reference:
To review the report of the Council committee of review on 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 the steps taking by the council leading to the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Professor 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 Ag. Vice Chancellor for university was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act;
To make appropriate recommendations including sanctions for all those found culpable by special visitation team on the allegations contained in the report as well as other subsequent actions among there from; and
To make any other recommendations that will assist government to take decisions that will ensure peaceful, stable, effective administration of the university.
The special visitation panel is expected to be inaugurated by Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, in Abuja on Wednesday.
