President Muhammadu Buhari has restored Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) a new report says.
According to a statement by Ben-Bem Goong, Director Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education titled, ‘Re: Report of special visitation panel to UNILAG’.
Buhari also dissolved the Governing Council of the institution led by Dr. B.O Babalakin.
The statement reads in part: “President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the University of Lagos has approved the Report of the Special Visitation Panel to the University of Lagos.”
This is coming after the embattled Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogundipe was replaced by the governing council in August.
Ogunsola was the first woman to be the Provost College of Medicine University of Lagos before she became Deputy Vice-Chancellor. She became the first woman to serve as an interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos since its establishment in 1962.
The report also underscored the following findings and recommendations as approved by President Buhari – “the removal of Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe as the Vice-Chancellor did not follow due process.”
“The Vice-Chancellor was not granted an opportunity to defend himself on the allegations upon which his removal was based. He should accordingly be re-instated.”
“All allegations made against the Vice-Chancellor and the management of the University before and after the Constitution of the Special Visitation Panel should be referred to regular Visitation Panel for a thorough investigation and necessary recommendations.”
“The process adopted by the Council in the appointment of Professor Omololu Soyombo as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University was inconsistent with the provisions of the Law relating to the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor.”
The report also stated that the Governing Council should be dissolved and that after careful review of the report, President Buhari has approved all the recommendations of the Panel.
“Accordingly, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe is hereby reinstated as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos.” It said.
“The Governing Council of the University of Lagos Chaired by Dr. B. O. Babalakin is hereby dissolved. Mr. President hopes these steps will bring peace, stability, focus, and direction to the University.”
Following the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to reinstate the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. The University community held a welcomed back ceremony for Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.