How conflict of interest marred UI VC race, by Olayinka

Immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) Prof. Idowu Olayinka, said the VC’s selection process had always been marred with conflicts of interest that had made the process tough and competitive from time immemorial.

Olayinka who spoke against the backdrop of the various claims that have delayed the selection process for the 13th VC of the institution said speculations on the selection process had been an age-long phenomenon that has led to the use of various antics by interested parties.

He said: “The situation is very unfortunate and we are optimistic that the matter would be resolved amicably eventually. The current situation is not entirely new to those of us who are familiar with this institution although the bad blood in the present circumstances has been taken to perhaps unprecedented levels.

“In 2010, a new VC designate emerged on September 2, 2010. There was all manner of petitions, which the then Chairman of Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) handled astutely. Three months later, which happened to be the last day in office of the then outgoing VC there was a full-page advertorial in one of the national dailies by an unknown body, calling for the annulment of the entire process and the appointment of an Acting VC. If that was not a sign of bad blood in the system, one begins to wonder what else could be. Thankfully the VC designate assumed office on Dec.1, 2010.

“Fast forward to 2015, there was also all manner of petitions against the person who emerged VC. Some of the aggrieved parties actually went to court to stop me from assuming office but God intervened and I assumed office on Dec.1, 2015,’’ Olayinka stated.

Speaking on the current selection process, Olayinka said there were issues with the process of appointing a substantive VC, which were escalated by a “faceless group”.

The former vice-chancellor said it started with protests by two of the candidates who contested alongside seven others to represent the university Senate on the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board for the appointment of a VC.

On the way forward, Prof Olayinka expressed optimism that the Council would reconvene at the earliest convenience to decide on the next line of action.

“At least for now the business of the university is going on smoothly as far as one can observe. There is no crisis in the institution. Senate met just recently to approve final year results,” Prof Olayinka added.