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Tag: VC

  • VC’s sack: Shameful act ongoing in UNILAG, Babalakin ridiculing our regulations, says member of governing council

    VC’s sack: Shameful act ongoing in UNILAG, Babalakin ridiculing our regulations, says member of governing council

    An aggrieved senate representative at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) governing council, Bola Oboh, on Wednesday condemned the process of removal of the vice-chancellor of the institution, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.

    Recall that TheNEwsGuru (TNG) has earlier reported that the varsity’s governing council, led by Wale Babalakin, its pro-chancellor, on Wednesday sacked Ogundipe as the vice-chancellor during its meeting at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja.

    But in a statement, Oboh said the vice-chancellor’s removal was against the institution’s regulation, adding that the council removed Ogundipe without giving him the opportunity to defend himself.

    She also accused Babalakin of turning deaf hears to entreaties that due process should be followed in the removal of the vice-chancellor.

    “Dear senate members University of Lagos regulation has been stepped on and ridiculed. Babawale Babalakin, the Pro-Chancellor waited for the tenure of Prof. Chukwu and Prof. Familoni to end, to call an Emergency Council meeting,” the statement read.

    “Based on the Dagari report, without allowing the VC defend himself, the Pro-Chancellor called for a vote for the removal of the VC. I (Prof. Oboh), Prof. Odukoya, Prof. Leshi and John Momoh voted against the removal of the VC. Six persons (excluding Babalakin) voted for.

    “But then went ahead to announce the removal of the VC. Dear Senate members, the procedure for removal of persons in office is clear and this was pointed out to Babalakin several times but he turned deaf ears.

    “He said he will announce the Ag. Vice Chancellor at 5pm. I have excused myself that I need to report to Senate members the shameful act currently ongoing. Please let us arise to fight this.”

    Recall Babalakin and Ogundipe have been at daggers drawn since March over the institution’s 51st convocation, which was cancelled just before it commenced.

    The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had asked the institution to suspend the ceremony after the chancellor accused the management of not following due process in reaching its decision as regards the event.

    But Ogundipe insisted that the university followed the pro-chancellor’s directives and did not contravene any law.

  • Yahaya Bello sacks VC, Rector of Kogi Varsity, Polytechnic

    Yahaya Bello sacks VC, Rector of Kogi Varsity, Polytechnic

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has relieved the Vice-Chancellor of the Kogi State University, Ayangba, Prof Mohammed Abdulkadir, of his appointment.

    A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Folasade Ayoade in Lokoja on Tuesday, also announced the removal of Prof. Mohammed Atureta as the Rector of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

    Both Abdulkadir and Atureta had earlier in February been placed on indefinite suspension for ignoring the governor’s directive on Single Treasury Account (TSA).

    It further said that the governor had approved the appointment of Prof. Marietu Tenuche as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university while Dr Salisu Usman would act as the Rector of the polytechnic.

    Tenuche was a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the institution while Abdulkadir has barely five months to complete his tenure as vice-chancellor of the university.

    The statement said that the appointments took immediate effect while all handing and taking over should also be completed immediately.

    Meanwhile, the state government has wished Abdulkadir and Atureta “the best in their future endeavour.”

  • Declare your assets, Unilorin VC urges staff

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Unilorin, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, on Monday advised members of staff of the institution to fully comply with the asset declaration procedure, as required by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    Abdulkareem gave the advice at a sensitisation workshop organised by the CCB for members of staff of the university in Ilorin.

    The vice-chancellor, who was represented at the opening of the programme by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Sylvia Malomo, said that such a step would enhance a high standard of morality and accountability in the country.

    He advised members of staff to comply with the rules and regulations of the Bureau, to remain on the side of the law.

    Addressing the participants, the Director of CCB in Kwara, Mrs Afolabi Abayomi, described assets declaration among public officers as an official mechanism for ensuring accountability and probity in public service.

    According to her, the CCB is to ensure transparency, honesty, and to make sure that actions of government officials fully comply with high moral standards, as obtainable in other civilised nations.

    Abayomi warned against under-declaration and anticipatory declaration of assets, which, she said, could result in litigation.

    She warned that flagrant abuse of the CCB Act could lead to vacation of office or seat in any legislative house, disqualification from membership of legislative house for 10 years, and forfeiture of property in question to the government.

    NAN

  • Court stops FUTA VC from spending earned allowances

    Court stops FUTA VC from spending earned allowances

    The National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, has dragged the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA), Prof Adeola Fuwape before an Akure National Industrial Court(NIC) over alleged illegal disbursement and misappropriation of Earned Allowances to undeserving staff without recourse to 2009 federal government/Unions Agreement.

    The presiding Judge, Justice Abiola Adewemimo has therefore granted an exparte order, restraining the management of FUTA from spending or disbursing the third tranche of the earned allowance released by the federal government pending the determination of the case.

    Lawyer to NAAT, FUTA branch, Iyiola Afolabi had prayed the court to grant the interim injunction to enable plaintiffs to put the University, Non Academic Staff Union(NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities(SSANU)on notice over the litigation.

    Speaking with reporters after court’s sitting, the Chairman of NAAT, FUTA Branch, Alex Omoraka, alleged that the management of the university had been breaching the Unions’ agreement with government on categories of staff entitled to benefit from the earned allowance.

    Omoraka said, “It’s on record that Federal government has queried FUTA Management on illegal disbursement of N30 billion earlier released. FUTA is the first University to repeat this illegality in the recently released of N8 billion for the payment of Earned Allowances to deserving staff members”.

    “The NAAT-FUTA Branch Chairman noted that earned allowances must be paid to only deserving staff based on 2009 FGN/Unions Agreements rather father Xmas gift the FUTA Vice Chancellor turned the government’s fund to”.

    He further said University staff that received illegal payment should be made to refund the same with immediate effect as corruption in the name of Earned allowances must be stopped.

    Omoraka said, “On forensic audit report on N30 billion Earned Allowances, NAAT commended the Federal Government for swiftly acting on the report by issuing queries to indicted Vice-Chancellors. However, government should go beyond the queries and sanction Vice-Chancellors found to be culpable appropriately”.

    He noted that “also University Staff that received what was not due to them (wrongly paid) should be made to refund same. Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities must not allow themselves to be intimidated or pressured into paying the money to undeserving staff”.

    “NAAT stands by the templates derived from the respective agreements which the Unions signed with FGN in 2009 – as was tendered at the Joint Action Committee, JAC, and Unions meeting with NUC officials on December 20, 2018”,

    The court subsequently adjourned hearing of the case till February 13 while all parties were to maintain status quo.

     

  • FUTA VC lauds Betty Akeredolu on breast cancer awareness

    FUTA VC lauds Betty Akeredolu on breast cancer awareness

    Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has received a pat on the back for her endless commitment towards raising awareness on breast cancer in Nigeria.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Joseph Adeola Fuwape, gave the commendation during a lunch meeting organized by Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) at the Multipurpose Hall, FUTA, Ondo State.

    Professor Fuwape observed that BRECAN has been a notable vanguard in creating awareness of the life-threatening disease and expressed FUTA’s readiness to partner with BRECAN towards fulfilling its mandate.

    In his words, “The Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria has been a vanguard of creating the needed awareness on breast cancer disease in Nigeria. I have the privilege of reading through that BRECAN was established about twenty years ago. Can we give a round of applause for BRECAN… Another round of applause for the Arabinrin as the CEO of BRECAN.

    The Foundation’s pro-education initiative has impacted on lives of many who would have succumbed to the disease due to ignorance and lack of support. It is heartwarming to know that one of the initiatives of BRECAN, which is Jog for Life, has succeeded in breaking down the walls of secrecy and stigmatization.

    BRECAN has so provided emotional and informational support to women on healthy living and good diet, to the extent that we have survivors and people who have testimonies on how they have been able to overcome the challenges of breast cancer.

    I believe that the area where BRECAN has made so much impact is the preventive area.”

    The university Don further revealed that FUTA has the much needed capacity to partner with BRECAN.

    ” FUTA was granted a license by the Nigerian Universities Council to establish the School of Health and Health Technology, with programmes in human anatomy, biomedical technology and physiology.

    With this, the university is at a great pedestal to really partner with BRECAN, because it has to do with the health and wellbeing of not only the female but also of the family… The Federal University of Technology, Akure is indeed proud of our association with Her Excellency, the First Lady of Ondo State, the Founder of BRECAN. We wish BRECAN higher accomplishments in fulfilling its mandate.”

    In her presentation, the Founder of BRECAN, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, noted that cancer advocacy in Nigeria is making progress as BRECAN now has seven state chapters with their advocacy focusing on education, early diagnosis through screening, improved government policies and funding for cancer control. She also encouraged survivors to be bold and tell their stories.

    The lunch meeting which focused on “Cancer Control Programme in Ondo State: The Journey So Far” had in attendance the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, Consultant to Ondo State Government on Cancer Control, Dr. Kingsley Ndo, WECAN delegates, some stakeholders in the health sector, top government officials and principal officers of the University.

  • OAU VC speaks on sex-for-marks scandal

    The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, has on Wednesday reacted to a leaked audio that shows a professor in the institution demanding sex from a female student to help her pass her exams.

    In a statement he personally signed, the Vice Chancellor, Eyitope Ogunbodede, said the university has begun the process of identifying the person involved. He said the act is a breach of regulations of the university’s code of conduct and anti-sexual harassment policy.

    “In full compliance to all applicable laws, the university has set up a high powered committee to investigate the allegation and submit its report within one week. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with decisively.

    “The university considers sexual harassment as an offence punishable contrary to the code of conduct and anti-sexual harassment policy. The university will never condone such act by any staff or students,” the professor said.

    Also the Chairman of Congress of University Academics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Niyi Sunmonu, said if it is established that the leaked audio is true, the perpetrator is not fit to be in academic environment.

    “Lecturers are expected to mould the lives of students,” the lecturer said.

    Also, the national coordinator of Educational Rights Campaign, Hassan Soweto, condemned the act, saying previous sexual harassment cases in the university were not properly dealt with.

    While speaking on a radio program, Frank Talk, on Rave 91.7 FM, Osogbo, the activist, a former student of the university, called for an independent panel that should include elected representatives from staff unions, students and women NGOs.

  • FUT Minna gets new VC

    FUT Minna gets new VC

    Prof. Abdullahi Bala, the deputy vice chancellor administration, Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, has been inaugurated as the 7th Vice Chancellor of the University.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was witnessed by top government functionaries, academicians and the general public.

    Mr. Bala, a professor, said during his tenure, the institution would strive hard to provide equal opportunity to individuals and groups in its admissions and appointments.

    “We will work hard in navigating the University along the trajectory of progressiveness and development already charted by my predecessor,” he said.

    Mr. Bala said his administration would be guided by three cardinal principles of obeying the status of the university and the laws of the land, good governance and global best practices.

    According to him, “we shall take decisions that are in the best interest of the university.

    “We shall also work assiduously and dispassionately towards assembling the best team to realize our set objectives.”

    He pointed out that the university has witnessed a tremendous growth and development especially in the last one and half decades.

    He said that with a student population of about 25,000, the university now ranked 5th among the specialized universities in Nigeria and 45th out of 4,245 universities in Africa.

    He said inadequate financing has often been the bane of most its developmental plans, “our is unlikely to be different giving the low allocations usually made by government to universities”.

    The new vice chancellor said the institution would work towards improving the internally generated revenue to augment whatever the government provides.

    “We shall also aggressive work towards blocking financial leakages.”

    Earlier in his speech, the out going vice chancellor, Musbau Akanji, expressed confidence that the new vice chancellor has the pedigree to move the university to a greater height.

    Mr. Akanji lauded the support from the Niger state government, the university community, the staff and the students, adding that it made his tenure a most fulfilling outing.

    NAN

     

  • Alleged assault on VC: Ajayi Crowther University expels 29 students, suspends 9

    Alleged assault on VC: Ajayi Crowther University expels 29 students, suspends 9

    Sequel to their alleged assault on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, the management of Ajayi Crowther University, ACU, on Friday approved the rustication of 29 students from the institution.

    The school also suspended 9 students, while 3 others got letters of warning.

    This is contained in a memo by the Registrar, Mrs Adenike T. Fatogun, titled: “Decision of the University’s Management on Students with disciplinary cases.”

    The memo which was released on Friday made it clear that “Management will not entertain personal appeals from parents and sponsors in regard to these decisions”

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls that some male students allegedly assaulted the Vice Chancellor some few ago.

    Consequently, the management ordered that the school be shut and ordered immediate probe.

    TheNewsGuru.com gathered that pandemonium broke out in the school when some male students of ‘Ibadan Hostel’ and ‘JA (Joseph Adetiloye) Hostel’ allegedly fought over a female student.

    The VC was said to have directed internal security personnel to put the situation under control before it got escalated.

    “When security staff got there, the guys rather than stop the commotion continued,” the source who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

    “Some students then poured water on the security personnel

    “Word got to the VC who decided to personally intervene. On his arrival, the students got violent and said he should leave.

    “As the situation got tensed, some yet-to-be-identified students poured water and thrash on him.

    “Prof Asaju was so angry that he cursed them and vowed to take action,” the source said

    See list of students in the attached…

     

     

     

  • UNILAG VC urges universities to seek alternative funding

    The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello says universities are required to explore alternative source of funding in order to protect them from the fiscal instability of the government.

    Bello said this in his address at the first day of the 49th convocation of the institution on Tuesday in Lagos.

    12,617 students were to be awarded with degrees and certificates during the three-day ceremony.

    Of the number, 231 graduated in the first class division, out of which two female students made maximum score of 5.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

    According to Bello, the foremost universities in Nigeria should be more than just training institutions.

    He added that they need to be commissioned to solve the nation’s problems through research, development efforts and direct challenges by the government.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for setting up a committee to negotiate with the university staff unions that recently suspended their warning strike.

    “A quick agreement with the unions and prompt government implementation of whatever is agreed will be the panacea for peace and stability in the university system,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor said that the university was proud of the two female students, Miss Taiwo Bankole and Miss Ajoke Omotuyi, for obtaining the perfect score of 5.00 CGPA.

    He said they had both matched the feat posted by Mr Ayodele Dada during the 2015 convocation.

    Bello said that the university would continue to provide the enabling environment that would set the tone for academic excellence.

    He commended President Buhari for the efforts put in place to fight insecurity and corruption, which he described as two cankerworms facing the nation.

    “The success achieved by the military in flushing out the insurgents from the Sambisa forest is highly commendable.

    “Similarly the efforts at changing the mindsets of Nigerians on corruption and related issues have been yielding fruits and need to be sustained.

    “All Nigerians must latch onto the ‘Change Mantra’ to free our nation from the burden it carries because of not paying full attention to our infrastructure needs while developing high taste for foreign goods,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, the Chairman, Governing Council of the university, Prof. Jerry Gana, admonished the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the institution, wherever they found themselves.

    He also urged them to exhibit good character in their immediate communities, adding that education without character was serious disaster.

     

  • Unilorin VC elected into International Association of Universities Board

    …was earlier elected as Chairman, Association of West African Universities (AWAU)

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Unilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has been elected into the 22-member Administrative Board of the International Association of Universities (IAU).

    (IAU) is UNESCO-based worldwide alliance of higher education institutions.

    Ambali’s election is contained in the university’s bulletin published on Tuesday.

    According to the bulletin, the election came one month after Ambali became the Chairman of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU).

    The publication stated that the election took place at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.

    It said that the election was one of the high points of the 15th General Conference of the Association held from Nov. 13 to Nov. 16.

    It added that Prof. Pam Fredman, the Rector of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, was elected IAU President, noting that Fredman would be the first woman to lead the organisation.

    According to the bulletin, Ambali is one of the three vice chancellors from Africa elected into the IAU board.

    “The two others are the Vice-Chancellor of Zimbabwe Open University, Prof. Primrose Kurasha; and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu.

    “Also elected from Africa, as Deputy Board Member, is the Vice-Chancellor of the United States International University-Africa, Kenya, Prof. Paul Zeleza,” it said.

    The IAU, founded in 1950, is a leading global association of higher education institutions and organisations.

    With membership from more than 130 countries, bilingual (English and French), non-governmental organisation, IAU acts as the voice of higher education to UNESCO and other international higher education organisations.