[UPDATED] Buhari reinstates UNILAG VC, sacks Babalakin’s Governing Council

President Muhammadu Buhari earlier today approved the reinstatement of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, saying his removal by the governing council did not follow due process.

This decision was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, by the Director (Press and Public Relations) in the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben-Bem Goong, entitled: ‘Re: Report of the Special Visitation Panel to the University of Lagos’ .

The government said the process adopted by the council in the appointment of Prof. 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.

However, this led to the dissolution of the Governing Council chaired by Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN).

The statement read in part, “Mr. President after careful review of the report has approved all the recommendations of the Panel.

“Accordingly, Prof. 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.”