Jubilation swept through the Akoka, Yaba campus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) when news of the reinstatement of Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as the institution’s Vice Chancellor filtered in last night.
It was learnt that the Federal Government had approved the White Paper by the Visitation Panel which investigated Ogundipe’s removal by the Wale Babalakin-led Governing Council and other allegations levelled against him and others.
A source confirmed that Education Minister Malam Adamu Adamu would today announce his reinstatement at a news conference in Abuja.
Ogundipe was said to have received his letter and expected to return to Lagos from Abuja today.
A lecturer at the university who said the institution was jubilant about the news, said: “No details yet. He collected the letter today but will come in from Abuja tomorrow.”
Another worker (names withheld) said: “I heard from people close to him. I think it must be true.”
The various chat groups of workers of the university were burstling with jubilation last night. Some posted praise songs and congratulating the embattled vice chancellor.
One of such reads: “Three Gbosa for our victorious reinstated Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, PROFESSOR OLUWATOYIN OGUNDIPE
Gbosa! Gbosa!! Gbosa!!!”
Another reads: “You are the Lord, that is your name, You will never share Your Glory with any man, You will never Share Your Glory with anybody, ALMIGHTY GOD THAT IS YOUR NAME.”
UNILAG crisis: The Federal Government had on August 21 ordered the
Pro Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council of the university, Dr. Wale Babalakin and Ogundipe to recuse themselves from performing their official duties while the probe it instituted into the institution’s crisis lasted.
While wading into the crisis, government had a week earlier nullified the appointment of Prof Theophilus Shoyomo as acting vice chancellor by Babalakin and asked the institution’s Senate to meet within one week to find a replacement.
The panel of seven members was headed by Prof Tukur Sa’ad.
Other members were: Barrister Victor Onuoha,Orofessor Ikenna Oyindo,Professor Ekanem Braide, Professor Adamu K. Usman, Chief Jimoh Bankole and Barrister Grace Ekanem who will serve as secretary.
The panel was to conclude its assignment within two weeks.
The crisis blew over on August 12 when a meeting of the institution’s Governing Council removed Ogundipe for alleged financial irregularities.
Shoyombo was appointed as acting VC by Babalakin .
Ogundipe’s removal was contested by some members and non -members of the university community who said the Governing Council did not follow due process.
Babalakin insisted that it did and claimed that Ogundipe was indicted by the Council for reckless mismanagement of University funds.
But the Senate after a meeting expressed confidence in Ogundipe’s leadership.
The Nation
