The Federal Government on Friday waded into the crisis rocking the University of Lagos, UNILAG, as it ordered the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Dr. Wale Babalakin, to recuse himself from official duties.
Similarly, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, was ordered to also recuse himself.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ben Goong, in Abuja.
He said the government had already set up a panel to probe the crisis in the institution.
The panel which will be inaugurated on Wednesday is chaired by the former vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Tukur Sa’ad, with Victor Onuoha, Ikenna Oyindo, Grace Braide, Adamu Usman, and Jimoh Bankole as members.
Given two weeks to operate, its term of reference include “to determine whether the process (if any) leading to the appointment of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act.”
It will also make recommendations, including sanctions, for all those found culpable.
The Senate of the institution has also been directed to meet to appoint a vice chancellor.
This will therefore put an end to the appointment of Theophilus Soyombo who was appointed by the governing council led by Babalakin
It would be recalled that Ogundipe was removed from office as vice chancellor of the UNILAG by the Babalakin-led governing council at an emergency meeting held in Abuja penultimate week.
He was accused of gross financial malpractices in the administration of the institution.
The governing council appointed Professor Theophilus Soyombo as the acting vice chancellor.
Ogundipe, however, declared his removal as illegal, claiming that he was not giving fair hearing.
The Senate and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU and other bodies in the institution also expressed their opposition to the manner the vice chancellor was removed.
Ogundipe went ahead to file a suit challenging his removal.
The suit was however withdrawn on Friday following consultation with stakeholders and supporters within and outside the institution.
The decision to withdraw the suit was announced by Ogundipe’s counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.
