By Gabriel Dike
The stormy tenure of the 12th Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has finally come to a close. And it ended gloriously. The reason staff, students, friends and prominent Nigerians recently rolled out drum to mark the exit.
Ogundipe narrated his story: “Before I was removed, I was queried by the then Chairman, Governing Council, on numerous occasions. I was accused of taking N500million to a prominent traditional ruler in the North. But I don’t need a kobo to see the said traditional ruler.
“The council chairman was looking for documents to indict me. Some staff contacted refused to help him.
“I have a God that is bigger than them. The crisis was not my own. Instead of falling as expected by my adversaries, I didn’t fall because God was and still on my side.
“My removal in August 2020 was a distraction, but it did not derail my quest to make UNILAG great. I now have time for my wife, children and family members.
“Pastors Enoch Adeboye, Tunde Bakare, Ituah Ighodalo and other men of God predicted my return to office after my removal in August 2020. God told me I shouldn’t worry because the battle is His and not mine.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and other prominent Nigerians called and faulted my removal. They said it did not follow due process and assured me that I would come back.
“I acknowledge the management, UNILAG Senate, the four staff unions and students for their support during the crisis.
“One thing I have learned is that the university runs as a system. But one man in UNILAG decided to disrupt the system but the system fought back.”
Ogunidpe solicited the cooperation, support and prayers of staff for his successor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola.
For nearly two weeks, Ogundipe’s achievements were showcase in grand style. Speakers acknowledged his outstanding performance in the last five years. He made a dramatic comeback on November 12, 2020, after earlier removed by the Dr Wale Babalakin-lead Governing Council.
On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, a valedictory programme was organised for him.
Staff and students showered encomiums on Ogundipe. They claimed his achievements brought improved ranking of UNILAG, renovation and construction of facilities, improved staff and students’ welfare.
The alumni association and the parents’ forum said the outgoing VC operated an open-door policy: “He is an astute university administrator. He took the university to another level.”
As part of Ogundipe’s exit, a book titled: “The Captain Steering the Ship Above Murky Waters,” was launched by a committee of friends. The book dwelt on his removal and how he overcame the turbulent period. It also looked at his achievements.
The book launch attracted Sanwo-Olu; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Ogundipe’s mentor, Prof Ayo Ogunye; former vice chancellor, Prof Rahman Bello; Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof Georgewill Uwunari; former Chairman, Governing Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi; Dr Biodun Shobanjo; Chief Ayo Opadokun; captains of industry; staff unions; students; alumni association and parents’ forum.
Sanwo-Olu said the VC steered the ship of UNILAG and was able to stabilise it after the crisis and recorded giant strides.
Oba Ogunwusi described Ogundipe as a seasoned administrator who took UNILAG to greater heights. He described him as “a good fighter. “With the help of God, he fought and won the battle.”
Ogunbiyi said the process, which led to his removal was wrong and was not surprised with his reinstatement. He advised Ogundipe to forget the turbulent period and move on with his life: “You still have more years to serve the university.”
Prof Owunari acknowledged the support UNILAG workers and students gave Ogundipe during the crisis: “Without them, the story would have been different.”
One of Ogundipe’s spiritual mentors, Pastor Ighodalo, recalled the assurance he gave to him that with God on his side, he would overcome, which came to pass. He saluted his doggedness and fight to clear his name during the crisis: “It has not been easy in the last five years, yet he achieved so many things.”
Prof Bello said: “UNILAG is an institution that cannot be rubbished. If anybody thinks he can rock the boat, he will fail. I am proud of Prof Ogundipe. He has been able to reposition UNILAG.”
Deputy VC, Prof. Ayodele Atisenuwa, said: “Today’s event is to honour an achiever. He came with a vision and the five years scorecard is a testimony that he delivered on his vision to take the university to the next level.”
Amid singing and dancing, Ogundipe was pulled out of the office in a decorated Jeep. The new VC, Ogunsola assumed duty on Saturday, November 12, 2020.