Matilda Omonaiye/
Reinstated Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has explained why he will not be vindictive as he described his return three months after suspension as an act of God and victory for the Nigerian public university system.
He repeated the words while addressing the university workers and other stakeholders, who thronged the university’s Senate foyer to formally welcome him back on campus and also reporters shortly thereafter.
Ogundipe, a Professor of botany who has spent more than 30 years in UNILAG was reinstated on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari as recommended by the visitation panel he sent to the university to investigate issues that caused his earlier suspension together with the Chairman of the then governing council of the university, Dr Wale Babalakin.
He dispelled what he called rumour that he would sack some workers who allegedly worked against his retention as vice-chancellor during the crisis. He said there was nothing of such.
According to him, there was bound to be diverse opinions on issues in any system among stakeholders and that would not in any way lead to division let alone victimisation of anyone.
“So, let us all go back to our duty posts and be more committed to our rules of engagements in the interest of re-branding our university to retain its position as the university of first choice and nation’s pride,” he said.
Full of praises unto God, Ogundipe particularly thanked President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu; the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Rasheed, workers and students, parents and members of the public for standing for what he termed the truth, fairness and justice while the imbroglio lasted.
He said UNILAG was bigger than any individual no matter how highly placed and then asked all workers to always pursue collective (rather than personal) interests and be more united and committed to UNILAG as an institution in order to jointly move the university to greater heights.
He described his suspension as a sabbatical, adding that now that he has returned to his duty post better and refreshed, the university would certainly enjoy sustainable peace and development.
He said that he had only spent three out of five years due for him as vice-chancellor and that his remaining two years commencing today would certainly be more fruitful for the university community.
He urged workers not to allow outsiders to divide them, but rather stand firmly on the path of greatness.
He added that he was in constant touch with the acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogundipe, to know the level of activities on campus while he was on suspension, describing Ogunsola as a reliable and trustworthy co-worker.
When asked about his feeling during the crisis and lessons learnt out of it, he said he didn’t allow the crisis to disturb him rather using the period to move closer to God.
He received the handover note from the acting vice-chancellor around 11.55 am and thanked her for holding forth while away.
Those who welcomed him in addition to the acting vice-chancellor included the deputy vice-chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Oluwole Familoni; Provost of the University’s College of Medicine, Professor Folusho Lessi; Director of Institute of Continuing Education, Professor Mopelola Olusakin; Director of Quality Assurance, Professor Grace Sotinwa; Professor Ogundipe’s wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Ogundipe; and the leaders of various staff unions including Dr Dele Ashiru (ASUU) and Mr Kehinde Ajibade(NASU), and so forth.
The University Registrar, Mr Oladejo Azeez; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Ben Oghojafor and the university librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Yetunde Abosede Zaid stayed away.
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