The lingering internal wrangling among the University of Lagos (Unilag) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the perennial conflicts between the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Wale Babalakin, and the leadership of the university have consumed the Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.
At the University’s Governing Council Emergency Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Pro Chancellor of the institution, Prof Adebayo Ninalowo, asked the Vice Chancellor to excuse them and an election was conducted to remove him, according to Prompt Newsonline.
The result of the election was 6 to 4 and he was immediately removed.
The notice of the meeting signed by the University’s Registrar, Oladejo Azeez, and dated August 10, said the Emergency Meeting was sanctioned by Dr. Babalakin in response to a request by the VC, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, via a letter dated July 15, and addressed to the Council Chairman.
Prompt News gathered that there is palpable tension in the Akoka campus after the news of the VC’s removal filtered in from Abuja as the ASUU leadership are said to have stood their ground insisting that Babalakin will not have his way in the university.
There is the likelihood of industrial action as the Academic Staff members are reported to have called for an emergency meeting.
A statement by Oloyede Azeez, spokesperson of the university confirmed Ogundipe’s removal.
Azeez said the decision was based on Council’s investigation of serious acts of wrongdoing, gross misconduct, financial recklessness and abuse of office against the sacked Vice Chancellor.