The Federal Government has suspended the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Wale Babalakin.
The Ministry of Education's Spokesman, Ben Goong, broke the news in a statement saying Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe was also directed to recuse himself as Vice-Chancellor, adding that a panel has been set up to probe the crisis rocking UNILAG, the Guardian reports.
The panel, which is chaired by Tukur Sa’ad, former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, has Victor Onuoha, Ikenna Oyindo, Adamu Usman, Ekanem Braide and Jimoh Bankole as members.
The seven-man panel is expected to submit its report within two weeks, the panel will review the report of the council sub-committe on review of expenditure of the university since and make appropriate recommendation after given those indicted an opportunity to themselves.
READ ALSO: UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe Allegedly Sacked By Governing Council
The panel is also expected to examine steps taken by the council leading to the removal of Ogundipe in order to determine whether due process was followed in accordance to the stipulated universities act and whether fair hearing was adhered to.
The committee, which will be inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Wednesday, August 25, 2020, is also expected to come up with decision to assist government in ensuring peace in the university.
The Governing Council of UNILAG had removed Ogundipe from office over alleged financial misappropriation and abuse of office. But Ogundipe kicked against his removal, saying due process was not followed.
The Governing Council of UNILAG had appointed Prof. Theophilus Soyombo as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution a day after the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, was sacked by the governing council of the institution during a meeting which was presided over by its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Wale Babalakin.
Howver, 88 members of the Senate of the institute anchored by Prof Chioma Ago, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law said the removal of Ogundipe was against UNILAG’s regulation. They added that the Council removed Ogundipe without giving him the opportunity to defend himself.
The Senate kicked against the appointment of Prof. Omololu Soyombo as Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution. As they said;
Part of the condition for the removal of a Vice Chancellor is that a joint committee of the Senate and Governing Council must sit and investigate with three representatives from each side but the Senate was never represented, the Senate was never consulted, the Senate never knew the allegations against their member.
The removal of Prof Ogundipe did not follow the Act establishing the university. He was not given fair hearing and the opportunity to defend himself.
The Senate therefore rejects the removal of Prof Ogundipe and the appointment of an Acting VC......
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