The University of Lagos Alumni Association has found fault in the manner the Council of the University purportedly removed its Vice Chancellor last Wednesday and called for a reversal of the improper action. The association says both the removal of the Vice Chancellor and the appointment of another do not follow due process of statute.
The Association is reported to have made several efforts to resolve the major issues of conflict between the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, and the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Toyin Ogundipe without success.
The Vice-Chancellor is known to have challenged his removal in Court.
Text of a Press Release by the Alumni Association is posted below
“At its emergency meeting held on Friday, 14th August 2020, the Alumni Association of the University of Lagos deliberated on the ongoing imbroglio at the University leading to the decision of the University Governing Council to remove the Vice Chancellor on Wednesday, 12th August 2020; and resolved as follows:
1. Without prejudice to the general powers of the University Governing Council to appoint and remove a Vice Chancellor under the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 (No. 1 2007), and without apportioning any blame to either the Governing Council or the Vice Chancellor, the University of Lagos Alumni is of the view that before the Council can exercise such powers, it must follow due process, particularly as mandatorily provided under section 3(8), (9) and (10) of the Act in the removal of the Vice Chancellor and Section 3(13) in the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor.
2. Therefore, the Alumni counsels the Governing Council that the status quo ante the Council meeting of Wednesday, 12th August, 2020, be restored while the Alumni continues with its efforts at ensuring that lasting peace and harmony reign on the Campus as between the Council and the University Management in particular, and all sections of the University community in general, including the Senate, students, staff, all Associations, particularly ASUU, NASU, SSANU, NAAT, etc.
3. Meanwhile, the Alumni Association recalls all its assiduous efforts in the past two years to bring about an amicable resolution of the misunderstandings between the Council and the University Management and promises all and sundry that it will not relent in its efforts at mediation.
John Momoh, OON
President (Worldwide)”
