Four days after announcing a four-day program to mark its 51st meeting, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has suspended events, which are scheduled to start on March 9.
A circular on the institution’s website signed by the institution’s registrar, Mr. Oladejo Azeez, who announced the cancellation, gave no reason.
But a note disclosed to the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and signed by the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Ochono, noted that the deputy chancellor and chairman of the university’s board of governors, Dr. Wale Babalakin, had informed the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu in a letter dated March 2, that the program had not been approved by its board of directors.
“The attention of the Honorable Minister was drawn to the attached copy of the letter dated March 2, 2020 from the Pro-Chancellor and President of the Council, Dr. BO Babalakin to the effect that the convocation ceremonies of 2019 have not been approved by the Board of Governors in accordance with the laws of the University.
“I must therefore ask you to kindly advise the Vice-Chancellor to suspend the convocation and to guarantee full respect for the rule of law.”
On Wednesday, The Nation contacted UNILAG vice-chancellor, Professor Toyin Ogundipe, and assistant clerk, Information and Protocol, Ms. Taiwo Oloyede, to confirm rumors regarding the postponement of the summons, but did not obtain any reply.
However, when the reporter called her on Thursday, she confirmed the postponement and said that the University would publish her statement on Thursday evening.
“I did not respond to your message because I did not want to. The convocation has been postponed. We will send an official statement tonight, ”she said.
The management headed by Prof. Ogundipe and the Board of Governors disagree on the operation of the university.
Last year, the Ministry of Education and the House of Representatives had to reconcile the two parties.
