Ambode, Boson eulogise new UNILAG VC, Prof Ogundipe

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has congratulated Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe on his appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The university’s Governing Council, at the end of its meeting of Friday, October 27, 2017, approved the appointment of Professor Ogundipe as the 12th Vice Chancellor of the school.

The university spokesman, Toyin Adebule, had, while confirming the appointment, stated, “UNILAG concluded the process for the new appointment of a new VC, which commenced on the 4th of July 2017, with the placement of advertisement in national newspapers. Pursuant to the law, the search team, the criteria committee, the short-listing committee and the selection board conducted the exercise and three candidates were nominated.

“At the end of the Governing Council meeting of Friday, October 27, Council approved the appointment of Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who coincidentally scored the highest mark in the exercise, as the 12th VC of the UNILAG. Prof. Olakayode Amund, and Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, came second and third respectively.”

The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said Ogundipe’s appointment was deserved, adding that he had over the years proved his competence in the academia.

He said it was based on his professionalism and integrity that his administration deemed it fit to appoint Professor Ogundipe as the Chairman of the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council earlier in June 2017.

“Professor Ogundipe does not need any introduction in the academic world. He has distinguished himself in the service of the prestigious University of Lagos over the years and his leadership skills are not in doubt.

“Being a product of the university itself, I am proud to say that his appointment is thoroughly deserved. His proven track record in the academia is there for all to see and steadily he has risen through the ranks to the pinnacle of his career,” Governor Ambode said.

The governor, while acknowledging the strides of the outgoing, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello, expressed confidence that Professor Ogundipe would bring his wealth of experience to bear to build upon the enviable legacies of the University in the next five years.

“With Professor Ogundipe at the helm of affairs of our great citadel of learning, I am totally confident that UNILAG is destined for greater heights. I want to on behalf of the people of Lagos State congratulate him and wish him the very best throughout his tenure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Botanical Society of Nigeria (BOSON) has congratulated the new VC.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Odiwe Anthony, a copy of which was obtained by The Guardian. While congratulating Ogundipe, members of BOSON, a professional group applauded his appointment to the exalted position and urged him to continue to be a worthy ambassador.

Describing him as a versatile and groundbreaking intellectual, who is capable of sustaining the ongoing developmental work in the university, the body prayed for a glorious stay in office, that would not only impact on the university but also on the faculties and students.

“We congratulate and rejoice with our National President, Prof. Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, on his appointment as the 12th VC of UNILAG. You have always been a trailblazer, leader of men and a worthy ambassador.  We wish you a fruitful and peaceful tenure,” the statement read in part.

Apart from Ogundipe, Amund and Olukoju, other shortlisted candidates for the VC position are the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Management Services, Prof. Ben Oghojafor; the university’s immediate past DVC, Management Services, Prof. Duro Oni; a former Provost of the College of Medicine, UNILAG and former National President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Oluwole Atoyebi; Dean of Postgraduate School, Ajewole Moses; and former Dean of UNILAG’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Odukoya Olukemi.