By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The embattled Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has reclaimed his position after President Muhammadu Buhari asked him to return to the institution.
Prof Ogundipe had had a rough battle with the Governing Council of the citadel of learning, especially the head of the council, Mr Wale Babalakin.
The governing council had removed the VC from office over claims of financial fraud, but the professor maintained that he was never given a fair hearing.
The imbroglio forced the President to set up a panel to look into the issue and asked both parties to step aside for proper investigation. However, Mr Babalakin later announced his resignation from the council.
On Tuesday night, there were rumours that Mr Buhari has reinstated Prof Ogundipe and this sparked jubilation at the Akoka, Yaba campus of the school.
On Wednesday, the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, through its spokesman, Mr Ben Gooong, announced in a statement that President Buhari has asked the VC to return to his post, while the governing council of the university was dissolved.
According to the statement, the initial removal of Prof Ogundipe by the governing council did not follow due process and it was said that the new action is expected to bring peace, stability, focus and direction to the institution.
“The Vice-Chancellor was not granted an opportunity to defend himself on the allegations upon which his removal was based. He should accordingly be re-instated,” the statement noted.