UNILAG Crisis: FG Sets up 7-Member Presidential Panel

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu has set up a seven-member presidential panel to investigate the crisis in the school and also revert on recommendations that would put the school back on track.

Adamu, during the induction in Abuja on Wednesday, 26 August, 2020, instructed members of the panel to conclude its assignment and revert within two weeks from the time of the induction.

He said, members by the terms of reference of the panel are expected to view the report of the council sub-committee on review of the University of Lagos since May 2017 and make appropriate recommendations. This was after granting all those indicted an opportunity to defend themselves.

“They are to examine the steps taken by the council leading to the removal of the Vice-chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, and ascertain whether due process was followed as stipulated in the universities amendment act 2003, and the principle of fair hearing adhered to.

“To determine whether the process (if any) leading to the appointment of the acting Vice-chancellor for the university was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act.

“To make appropriate recommendations, including sanctions for all those found culpable by the special visitation team, on allegations contained in the report as well as other subsequent actions arising therefrom.

“And make any recommendations that will assist the government to make decisions that will ensure peaceful, stable, and effective administration of the university,” he said.

Adamu, therefore, implored stakeholders in the University of Lagos to fully support the panel and allow it to work without interruption.

Reacting, the Chairman of the panel, Prof.Tukur Sahad, commended the minister for finding the members of the committee worthy of carrying out the national assignment.

He assured that they will do their best to ensure the resolution of the crisis rocking the university. Hence, he called on the university’s governing council as well as the university senate to give them full support as they strive to discharge their duty.

The crisis, which started in the university, was as a result of its Governing Council headed by Dr Wale Babalakin sacking the vice-chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe on Aug. 12 over allegations of financial recklessness and gross misconduct.

The Federal Government has, however, suspended both Babalakin and Prof. Ogundipe pending the outcome of the investigations to be carried out by the Sahad-led panel.

Other members of the panel include Prof. Adamu Usman, Board Chairman, UBEC, Prof. Ikenna Onyedo, former Vice-chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ekanem Braid, former Vice-chancellor Cross River State University.

Also on the team, are: Prof. Victor Onoha, Alhaji Jimoh Bankole, former Bursar, University of Ibadan and Mrs Grace Ekanem, Director, Legal Services, Ministry of Education