Richard Ginika Izuora
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter, has commended the Federal Government for “standing on the path of justice’’ by reinstating the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.
Chairman, of the Union Dr Dele Ashiru, gave the commendation; while reacting to the development in an interview on Wednesday, November 11, in Lagos.
The Federal Government had in August, directed the then Pro-Chancellor of the university, Dr Wale Babalakin, and Prof. Ogundipe to recuse themselves from official duties pending the outcome of a Special Visitation Panel set up by the visitor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
It then directed the Senate of UNILAG to immediately convene to nominate an acting vice-chancellor from among its members.
The Babalakin-led Governing Council had on Aug. 12, sacked Ogundipe as the vice-chancellor over alleged financial misappropriation.
However, Babalakin later resigned from his appointment.
According to Ashiru, the reinstatement of the vice-chancellor is a huge step to further boost the belief of the government’s effort in restoring peace in the entire university community.
“It feels glorious and I want to thank the visitor to the university, President Muhammadu Buhari; through the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, for this very historic intervention.
“This has put an end to tyranny; authoritarianism; and dictatorship which characterised the Wale Babalakin-led Governing Council.
“We indeed, thank the visitor for standing on the path of truth; due process; and also autonomy of the Nigerian university system.
“It is our conviction that this decision by the government will return our great university to the path of peace, progress, and scholarly excellence for which the university is renowned,’’ the unionist explained.
It was reported that the announcement of the reinstatement had sent wild jubilation among members of the community as they were seen in small groups discussing and jubilating.
Some members of staff who pleaded anonymity, lauded the Federal Government for the intervention; describing it as a job well done.