JUST IN: Reinstated UNILAG VC Ogundipe Resumes, Thanks President Buhari

The recently reinstated Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe on Thursday resumed at the academic institution.

Naija News reports that Ogundipe’s resumption was met with jubilation as elated staff sang and danced to welcome the embattled VC.

Speaking at the University Senate Building, Ogundipe thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and others.

He urged members of staff to be united to move the institution forward.

“Let us all be united. It is not about the academic or non-academic staff; it is about UNILAG. Let us all work together
and allow peace in this institution,” he said.

Recall that Buhari had on November 11, 2020, reinstated Ogundipe and dissolved the Governing Council of UNILAG led by Dr. B.O Babalakin.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday titled, ‘Re: Report of special visitation panel to UNILAG’ by Ben-Bem Goong, Director Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education.

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.

“The highlights of the findings and recommendations approved by Mr. President are as follows – 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 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 Governing Council should be dissolved.

“Mr. President after careful review of the report has approved all the recommendations of the Panel.

‘Accordingly, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe is hereby reinstated as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos.

“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.”