UNILAG Acting VC Issues First Official Statement, Sues for Peace

Matilda Omonaiye/

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Omololu Soyombo, has appealed to members of the university support the peaceful resolution of the current challenges facing the institution.

Soyombo in his first official statement to the university community, described his appointment as a position of responsibility which he accepted as a sense of duty to the university.

In an internal memorandum issued from the Office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Soyombo also said he regarded his appointment as a call to service with the overall objective of fostering an atmosphere of peace on the campus.

He, therefore, appealed to members of the university community to go about their businesses and activities and avoid acts that may disrupt the peace of the university.

He added that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the security of lives and property on its campuses.

He said, “It is with high sense of responsibility that I humbly address the university community on this occasion of grave challenges to the stability and progress of our dear university.

“I wish to start by noting that this is a position of responsibility that was thrust upon me and which I accepted out of a sense of duty to our university. I see this as a call to service with the overall objective of fostering an atmosphere of peace for the normal university business of teaching, research and community service.

“This appointment is a definite step to resolve the impasse between the university governing council and management in order to ensure a conducive atmosphere for normal university activities to continue to thrive.

“I know that opinions are divided on issues at stake and the steps taken so far to resolve the impasse. Our paramount goal should be an amicable resolution of all the issues and to win back the peace and stability of our university.

“I therefore urge all parties and members of the university community to come together at this trying period in the interest of our university.

“All necessary steps will be taken to ensure the security of lives and property on our campuses.  I hereby appeal to members of the university community to go about their businesses and activities and avoid acts that may disrupt the peace of the university. Long live the University of Lagos.”

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