SSANU Distances Self From UNILAG Crisis

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Western Zone, has distanced itself from the crisis rocking the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Recall that the University’s Governing Council had sacked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, over allegations of financial misappropriation.

It also appointed Prof Omololu Soyombo as the acting VC.

He resumed duties on Monday, amidst tight security.

However, Ogundipe had debunked his removal, maintaining that he remained the VC.

He also briefed a senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to begin legal actions on his behalf.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNILAG branch, also backed Ogundipe, arguing that due process was breached in his removal.

But, SSANU’s National Vice President and Chairman the Western Zone, Comrade Jimoh Alfred Ilesanmi, in a statement dated August 15, stressed that it remained neutral to the crisis at UNILAG.

It frowned on its branch Acting Chairman, UNILAG, Comrade Olusola Sowunmi, for joining other union leaders in taking a position, contrary to its directive.

The statement partly reads:

“Our attention has been drawn to a Communique titled ‘Joint condemnation on the Dr. Wale Babalakin led Council of the University of Lagos for its unjust, ungodly and illegal removal of the University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe,’ dated 13th August,2020.

“The top leadership of SSANU both at the Zonal and National levels are highly surprised that, contrary to instructions given to you by both the National Vice President/ Chairman of your zone, the NPRO and the National President of the Union in phone conservation they had with you shortly after the removal of the Vice Chancellor, to the effect that you should remain neutral in the matter and try not to draw SSANU as a Union into the ongoing battle for supremacy in the University, you turned death ears to the instructions of your superior officers in the union and went ahead to co-sign the communique with other Union leaders in UNILAG without clearance from your superior officers.

“Consequently, upon the above, you are to explain within seventy two(72) hours after receipt of this letter, why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for this act of insurbordination.”