EXCLUSIVE: UI May Get Acting VC

The festering crisis surrounding the appointment of the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan seems to have reached its climax as impeccable sources have confirmed to this blog that an acting VC “might be appointed to oversee the affairs of the institution.”

 This blog recalls that the controversy took a vital turn when workers, mostly members of the Senior and Non-Academic Staff, protested the alleged plan by the incumbent, Prof. Idowu Olayinka to install his deputy, Professor Kayode Adebowale, as his successor.

The protest led to the postponement of the announcement of the next Vice-Chancellor after a shortlist of six candidates had earlier been made.

This blog  had reported that the congregation election and the election of two members of the joint selection committee was followed by multiple allegations of fraud and lack of transparency.

An impeccable source who explained to this blog that the institution is on the verge of getting an interim leadership revealed that the representative of the Education Minister on the selection committee, Dr. Uchenna Uba has been removed.

Her removal was “within 3 weeks of her interference in the process. She allowed herself to be nominated to seat as a member of the Interview Panel, when she was only meant to serve as an observer, and impartial representative of the Federal government.”

“The council meeting today was planned to return to the VC process in spite of unresolved issues related to it.

“The Council is awaiting directive from the Ministry after series of petitions have been sent to the Minister of Education.

“Yet some members wanted the process to continue. Attempt failed flatly because the interview panel is short by one member now.

Also one of the internal Senate members on the Interview Panel, Prof Ayoola, still has a case to answer as to his transparency over a leaked WhatsApp message that he sent to Prof Ayodele,” the source  said.

Adding that, “feelers from Abuja is that the process of UI VC will be reviewed for a new beginning. Also, it can only be transparent at the expiration of the tenure of the current VC who is seen as a major player in the process of manipulation.”