Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Barrister Tokunbo Wahab signed a statement concerning the appointment of abrupt VCs over two new Universities in Lagos state.
Lagos state governor, Babajide-Sanwo-Olu is the prime initiator of the appointment occurrence of two reputable individuals (In the academic sector) to temporarily occupy the office of the Vice-chancellor of the two new Universities.
These new Universities are:
- Lagos State University of Education (LASUED)
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu.
Accordingly, the newly appointed VCs over these two universities are:
Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okunneye (Professor in Health Education) who’s charged to take over LASTED. And, Dr. Nurudeen Olaleye, (Ph.D. holder in Microbiology) who’s appointed to LASUSTECH.
With this progress in view, it’s said that the two new Universities are ready and capable to admit new students. Consequently, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has the two new Universities on their list for the upcoming 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
However, Prof. Bidemi Okunneye is the current Provost of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. Also, Dr. Nurudeen Olaleye is the current Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH). In view of the above, Barr. Wahad made it clear that their appointment is a three-month appointment, therefore they might not be relieved of their current positions.
The appointment occasion was a way of providing a temporary government over the two new Universities while waiting for the appointment of substantive VCs over the two institutions. This will bridge the gap found in the leadership area. Also, this strategy will help maintain stability while other relevant academic affairs are still ongoing. However, this transition period falls between the 1st of March to 29th of May, 2022.
Furthermore, Professor Lafiaji Okuneye will be assisted by Dr. Nosiru Onibon as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor. He’s an Associate Professor, and current Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) now University of Education, Epe.
In the same vein, Dr. Nurudeen Olaleye will be assisted by Dr. Olumide Metilelu, Chief Lecturer, Hospitality Management Technology. Dr. Olumide would serve as LASUSTECH’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics). Also, Dr. Gbemavo Kolawole Godonu, current Deputy Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH will as well assist Dr. Olaleye as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
Given the circumstances, the newly appointed officers are charged with the sole responsibility of taking the two Universities to higher levels of success. Can be achieved given their years and wealth of academic experiences which reflects in their degree of professorships. There are serious expectations from them as these appointments as coming from the state Governor himself are no mistakes.
As far as the Law is concerned, some legalities must regulate such action by the statement governor. Barr. Wahad mentioned succinctly, that this action of His Excellency, is in direct alignment with:
Section 4, Subsection (1) (C) and Section 14 Subsection (1) (A) and (B) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology Law 2021.
Section 8 Subsection (1) (C) and (D) of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Law, 2021.
Given the narratives, this action by the Lagos state governor is highly commendable. On the other hand, the new appointees were congratulated and encouraged to see this as a call to duty. They are to serve in the fullness of their knowledge and capacities. Also serve both in professional conduct and with a sense of responsibility.
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