FG directs Babalakin, Ogundipe to recuse themselves from office over UNILAG crisis

The Federal Government has directed the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos, Dr Wale Babalakin, and the embattled Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe to recuse themselves from official duties, pending the outcome of the Special Visitation Panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Spokesman of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong announced this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the statement, the President gave the panel two weeks to submit their report.

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Recalled Wale Babalakin’s Governing Council had, on August 12, sacked Prof.  Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as Vice-Chancellor over alleged financial misappropriation and misconduct.

However, Ogundipe,  rejected the Council’s decision, saying the University’s due process had not been followed.

‘’The Presidential Panel, made up of seven members, is expected to determine whether the required steps were taken by the Council in sacking Ogundipe, said the statement.

‘’They are also expected “to make appropriate recommendations including sanctions for all those found culpable” in the investigation.’’

‘’The panel will be inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, on August 26.’’

‘’Members of the panel include Professor Tukur Sa’ad (Chairman), Barrister Victor Onuoha, Professor Ikenna Onyido, Professor Ekanem Braide, Professor Adamu K. Usman, Chief Jimoh Bankole and Barrister Grace Ekanem (Secretary).’

The statement added that the university senate has been directed to appoint new acting Vice Chancellor.’