The Federal Government has directed the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos, Dr. Wale Babalakin, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin T.Ogundipe, to step aside from their official duties pending the outcome of the Special Visitation Panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The information was announced in a press statement signed by the Federal Ministry of Education spokesman, Ben Goong.
Government also directs the Senate of the University of Lagos to immediately convene to nominate an acting Vice-Chancellor from amongst its members for confirmation by the Governing Council, the statement added.
Babalakins Governing Council had, on August 12, sacked Ogundipe as Vice-Chancellor over alleged financial misappropriation and misconduct.
Ogundipe, however, rejected the Councils decision, saying the Universitys due process had not been followed.
The Universitys Senate, alumni, and labour unions also put out statements saying the due process had not been followed.
But Babalakin, in several media reactions, insisted that due process had been complied with in terminating Ogundipes appointment.
The Presidential Panel, made up of seven members, is expected to determine whether the required steps were taken by the Council in sacking Ogundipe.
They are also expected to make appropriate recommendations including sanctions for all those found culpable in the investigation, which is expected to last for two weeks.
The panel will be inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, on August 26.
Members of the panel include Professor Tukur Saad (Chairman), Barrister Victor Onuoha, Professor Ikenna Onyido, Professor Ekanem Braide, Professor Adamu K. Usman, Chief Jimoh Bankole and Barrister Grace Ekanem (Secretary).
