Buhari reinstates Ogundipe as UNILAG VC

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reinstatement of Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as the vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Buhari also dissolved the varsity’s governing council, formerly chaired by Wale Babalakin, its former pro-chancellor.

Ben-Bem Goong, the ministry of education’s director press and public relations, broke the news in a statement on Wednesday.

Ogundipe was removed by the varsity’s governing council on August 12 during a meeting presided over by Babalakin.

Amid the crisis that rocked the institution thereafter, Omololu Soyombo was named as the acting VC in a decision that some members of the council had said ridiculed the university’s procedures.

In the statement, Buhari was quoted to have said that the removal of Ogundipe “as the VC 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,” it added.

“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.”