Against several petitions and heated controversies on the selection of the next Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI), the Senate body of the Institution has on Wednesday throw their weight behind the selection committee, and strongly condemned the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of the institution for opposing the process of selecting a new Vice Chancellor (VC).
Akedeoyo.com had earlier report how some of the aspirants had written petitions, therein they expressed their displeasure on how the Committee is handling the Process. Also, they accused the incubent Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Idowu Olayinka of trying to impose his Deputy Vice Chancellor as the next VC.
This newspaper likewise recall how NASU and SSANU UI chapters have opposed the selection of Prof. Kayode Adebowale, accusing the outgoing VC, Prof. Idowu Olayinka of influencing the process in his favour. Adebowale is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the university.
Likewise, akedeoyo.com recalls that how the Unions also opposed the candidature of a former VC of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Prof. Olusegun Mimiko, who is among the six, saying he was anti-workers during his tenure at the institution owned by Ondo State Government.
In a seven-point resolution of the highest decision-making body of the institution, read by a former Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose (SAN) on behalf of the VC, the Senate also pointed out that the unions did not speak for any officer of the university. It recommended that any member of staff found guilty of working against the laid down procedure governing the university should be disciplined accordingly.
The resolutions read: “The chairman of the Council has been disrespected. Senate noted that the event was unfortunate and regrettable.
“The action by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) on Wednesday 28th October, 2020 was condemned in its strongest term.
“The fact that unions do not have any role to play in the appointment of Vice-Chancellor.
“Senate affirms that the process of the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor thus far has been in line with the extant laws and it should continue and be concluded forthwith.
“Senate also affirms its confidence in the Council and the process of appointing the Vice Chancellor thus far.
“Senate should appoint some representatives to visit the Minister of Education with a copy of the resolution taken at the meeting today.
“The normal university disciplinary procedures should be instituted to deal with the erring staff forthwith. That is, immediately and without delay.
“The petitioners should be pacified – Professors Peter Olapegba and Ezekiel Ayoola. They should be pacified pending the outcome of internal disciplinary measures.
“The University of Ibadan dissociates itself from the action of the above unions, for emphasis, (SSANU and the NASU) ,and their action. They were not acting on behalf of any officer or unit of the university. Neither were their action taken in the course of their duty.
