UNILAG: Why I Accepted To Be Acting VC – Prof. Soyombo

The acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Omololu Soyombo, has revealed why he accepted to be the acting vice-chancellor of the institution.

Naija News recalls that the Governing Council of UNILAG led by Wale Babalakin, Pro-Chancellor had earlier sacked Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, accusing him of gross misconduct and acts of corruption.

The Governing Council immediately announced the appointing of Soyombo as acting VC.

But the 88 members strong Senate led by Prof Chioma Ago, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, said the removal of Ogundipe was against UNILAG’s regulation.

The group stated that the Council removed Ogundipe without giving him the opportunity to defend himself.

They also kicked against the appointment of Prof Soyombo as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, the acting VC said he accepted the position out of a sense of duty and in the interest of peace.

Soyombo said: “I wish to start by noting that this is a position of responsibility that was thrust upon me and which I accepted out of a sense of duty to our university.

“I see this as a call to service with the overall objective of fostering an atmosphere of peace for the normal university business of teaching, research and community service.

“This appointment is a definite step to resolve the impasse between the University Governing Council and Management in order to ensure a conducive atmosphere for normal university activities to continue to thrive.

“I know that opinions are divided on issues at stake and the steps taken so far to resolve the impasse. Our paramount goal should be an amicable resolution of all the issues and to win back the peace and stability of our University.”