… Soyombo steps down
THE Senate of the University of Lagos has elected Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution.
Ogunsola became the first female to become VC in the history of UNILAG with135 votes, at a crucial meeting convened by the Senate on Monday to elect an Acting VC in place of Prof. Theophilus Soyombo, appointed by the Wale Babalakin-led Governing Council.
The Point learnt that Prof. Ben Oghojafor followed with 31 votes.
Recall that Soyombo had been appointed to replace Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, after the Council announced his removal, citing gross misconduct and financial recklessness.
Soyombo, who had addressed workers last Wednesday, when he said he officially assumed office, however, stepped down on Saturday.
This followed the Federal Government’s action, on Friday, suspending both Babalakin and Ogundipe and setting up a visitation panel.
Soyombo said in a statement on Saturday that it was necessary to step down because the Federal Government had directed the UNILAG Senate to nominate an acting VC for the institution.
The Point had reported that the former VC, Ogundipe, also withdrew a court case challenging his removal, in deference to the President, who is a Visitor to the university.
The newly appointed Acting VC, Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola (born 1958), is a Nigerian professor of medical microbiology.
She specialises in disease control, particularly HIV/AIDS. Ogunsola is also the immediate past Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and is reputed as being the first woman to occupy the position.
