President Bola Tinubu has appointed the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Ogundipe takes over from Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned his position less than one year into his term.
The announcement was confirmed in a statement released on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Presidency stated, “Professor Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned his appointment after less than one year in office.”
As the head of the regulatory body for the Nigerian university system, Ogundipe is tasked with prioritizing academic stability, funding, and global competitiveness.
The Presidency noted, “The appointment is aimed at advancing quality, access, and integrity in the education sector.”
Furthermore, “President Tinubu expects Professor Ogundipe to provide visionary leadership at the National Universities Commission and sustain the credibility of the Nigerian university system in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Professor Ogundipe, an expert in Botany, led the University of Lagos as Vice-Chancellor from 2017 to 2022. He holds a PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos.
His extensive academic background includes specializations in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany, and ecological conservation.
Currently serving as the Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, the 66-year-old academic is a distinguished fellow of several professional organizations, including the Royal Society of Biology, the Linnaean Society of London, and the Nigerian Academy of Science.
Throughout his career, he has also held leadership roles as the Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council and President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria.
REJOINDER TO THE APPOINTMENT OF PROF. OLUWATOYIN OGUNDIPE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION (NUC)
The recent appointment of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as Chairman of the National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised serious concerns within sections of the Nigerian academic community.
At a time when the Federal Government continues to proclaim a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the Renewed Hope Agenda, this appointment sends a troubling signal to many stakeholders in the university system.
Several allegations of administrative misconduct and corruption were made against Prof. Ogundipe during and after his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. Some of these matters reportedly formed part of petitions submitted to anti-corruption agencies and government authorities. Questions have also been raised concerning the findings of various investigations and the recommendations of visitation panels constituted to examine governance issues within the University.
Given these unresolved concerns, the Federal Government owes Nigerians, particularly the university community, an explanation.
If Prof. Ogundipe has been investigated and completely exonerated, the Federal Government should make public all relevant reports, including the Presidential Visitation Panel Report and any White Paper arising therefrom, so that Nigerians can independently assess the facts.
Transparency demands nothing less.
The appointment of individuals to strategic positions such as the NUC should not merely satisfy political considerations; it must inspire confidence within the academic community and reinforce public trust in our institutions.
The NUC is the apex regulatory body responsible for maintaining standards, promoting integrity, and providing leadership for Nigeria’s university system. The occupant of such an office should be above reproach or, at the very least, free from unresolved controversies that could undermine the credibility of the institution.
The Federal Government must appreciate that appointments are not merely administrative decisions; they are powerful statements of values.
What message does this appointment send to university administrators, lecturers, students, and the wider Nigerian public?
Does it suggest that unresolved allegations and pending questions regarding public service records are inconsequential?
For those of us who have previously submitted petitions concerning certain actions during Prof. Ogundipe’s tenure, it is imperative that the relevant anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference or hindrance.
The issue at stake transcends the personality of Prof. Ogundipe.
It concerns the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
It concerns the credibility of public institutions.
It concerns the commitment of this administration to accountability and due process.
Accordingly, we call on the Federal Government to:
Publish all relevant reports, findings, and White Papers relating to investigations into the administration of the University of Lagos during Prof. Ogundipe’s tenure.
Clarify publicly whether all allegations and petitions against Prof. Ogundipe have been fully investigated and resolved.
Ensure that anti-corruption agencies are allowed to independently investigate any outstanding matters without political interference.
Reconsider the appointment if significant unresolved issues remain.
Nigeria’s universities deserve leadership that not only possesses academic credentials but also commands unquestionable public confidence.
The Renewed Hope Agenda must not be perceived as a Renewed Impunity Agenda.
Signed:
Engr. Babatunde Oloko
Former Director of Works & Physical Planning,
University of Lagos
Concerned Stakeholder in the Nigerian University System