THE University of Lagos Alumni Association has urged all parties in the controversies trailing the removal of the Vice-Chancellor to maintain status-quo existing before the removal process.
This is contained in a statement issued by the President of the Association, Mr. John Momoh, OON which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, titled “STATEMENT FROM UNILAG ALUMNI”.
“At its emergency meeting held on Friday, 14th August, 2020, the Alumni Association of the University of Lagos deliberated on the ongoing imbroglio at the University leading to the decision of the University Governing Council to remove the Vice Chancellor on Wednesday, 12th August, 2020”. He said.
Meanwhile, the statement noted that three resolutions were reached at the meeting.
However, it was noted that the laid down procedures were not followed in the removal process.
“Without prejudice to the general powers of the University Governing Council to appoint and remove a Vice-Chancellor under the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 (No. 1 2007), and without apportioning any blame to either the Governing Council or the Vice Chancellor, the University of Lagos Alumni is of the view that before the Council can exercise such powers, it must follow due process, particularly as mandatorily provided under section 3(8), (9) and (10) of the Act in the removal of the Vice Chancellor and Section 3(13) in the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor.”
Furthermore, the Association charges that status quo that existed prior to the removal be maintained.
“Therefore, the Alumni counsels the Governing Council that the status quo ante the Council meeting of Wednesday, 12th August, 2020, be restored while the Alumni continues with its efforts at ensuring that lasting peace and harmony reign on the Campus as between the Council and the University Management in particular, and all sections of the University community in general, including the Senate, students, staff, all Associations, particularly ASUU, NASU, SSANU, NAAT, etc.”
Finally, it was noted that the Alumni Association will not relent in an effort to bring lasting solutions to the misunderstanding.
“Meanwhile, the Alumni Association recalls all its assiduous efforts in the past two years to bring about an amicable resolution of the misunderstandings between the Council and the University Management, and promises all and sundry that it will not relent in its efforts at mediation.” The statement concluded.
