President Muhammadu Buhari acted decisively on the festering leadership crisis at the University of Lagos last night with the suspension of the feuding duo of the Governing Council Chair, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Toyin Ogundipe.
Recall that last week, Babalakin had organised a panel in Abuja at the National Universities Commission to try and convict Professor Ogundipe of alleged misdemeanour. The action however met with stiff opposition from several quarters, including the University Senate and ASUU. Ogundipe also refused to accept his removal and subsequently went to court before withdrawing the case yesterday.
Buhari suspended both Babalakin and the VC and appointed a Visitation Panel that would investigate the root cause of the crisis. It is expected to submit its report within 2 weeks.
The President also removed Professor Shoyombo, the acting VC appointed by Babalakin’s Council. The Senate of the University will now appoint an acting VC.
Conventional wisdom last night was that, hopefully, this intervention by the Visitor would bring to an end the internecine crisis rocking one of the nation’s best universities.
