UNILAG Crisis: Buhari Suspends Babalakin, Ogundipe, Constitutes Visitation Panel

President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN.

According to a statement on Friday night by the spokesman of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe was also suspended following the crisis in the institution. The statement further announced that a visitation panel has been appointed to look into the issues.

Members of the panel includes

1. Professor Tukur Sa’ad as Chairman

2. Barrister Victor Onuoha as member

3.Professor Ikenna Onyido as member

4.Professor Ekanem Braide as member

5.Professor Adamu K. Usman as member

6. Chief Jimoh Bankole as member

7. Barrister Grace Ekanem as Secretary.

They will be inaugurated on Wednesday August 26 by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu with the mandate to review the report of the Council committee of review on expenditure of the University of Lagos since May 2017 and make appropriate recommendations after affording all those indicted an opportunity to defend themselves;

To examine the steps taking by the council leading to the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and ascertaining whether due process was followed as stipulated in the Universities(Miscellaneous provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 and the principle of fair hearing adhered to;

To determine whether the process(if any) leading to the appointment of the Ag. Vice Chancellor for university was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act;

To make appropriate recommendations including sanctions for all those found culpable by special visitation team on the allegations contained in the report as well as other subsequent actions among there from; and to make any other recommendations that will assist government to take decisions that will ensure peaceful, stable, effective administration of the university.