UNILAG Crisis: Babalakin Appears Before Visitation Panel

Ololade Adeyanju/

The suspended Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr Wale Babalakin, on Thursday appeared before the Prof. Tukur Sa’ad-led Visitation Panel set up by the Federal Government to look into the affairs of the institution from 2017 till date.

Babalakin arrived the Senate Chambers, venue of the sitting of the panel, at about 8.45 am. He waited till 8.58 am before he was admitted.

Babalakin is expected to defend himself against allegations of manipulations, falsification of state of origin and misrepresentations in the Governing Council that has his staff, Dr Bayo Adaralegbe, as member, along with two of his friends and former colleagues in the Federal Government renegotiation team on 2009 agreement with ASUU – Prof. Nimi Briggs and Prof. Olufemi Bamiro.

The panel would examine the steps taken by the Governing Council under Babalakin, that led to the removal of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, and ascertain whether due process was followed as stipulated in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, and the principle of fair hearing adhered to.

It will also determine whether the process (if any) leading to the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor by him for the University was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act.

Details later: