The Senate of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, has on Monday, extended the tenure of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Babatunde Ekanola.
The tenure extension, which takes effect from June 1, 2021 and is subject to confirmation by the Governing Council, is coming pending the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.
Ekanola’s re-election took place at a special meeting of the Senate which was held at the Trenchard Hall of the University.
Both the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ekanola, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Kayode Adebowale, excused themselves from the session.
In line with the tradition of the Institution, the Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, presided over the session, after a heated debate, which lasted for about one hour fifteen minutes, on the appropriateness or otherwise of a tenure extension for an Acting Vice-Chancellor.
It was gathered that a total of 151 members of Senate voted for the re-appointment of Prof. Ekanola, while only a member of the Governing Council and one other Professor abstained from voting.
The Senate had earlier at the same meeting voted overwhelmingly in support of electronic voting with 163 members in support while 12 members abstained.
How we got here
Ekanola was elected by the Senate in November 30, 2020 for a six-month period after crisis erupted over the appointment of a substantive VC for the Premier University, following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka on December 1, 2020.
Ekanola’s initial six month tenure is due to lapse on May 31, 2021.
A circular addressed to the Senate of the Institution by the Governing Council had asked the Senate to deliberate on the appointment of an Acting VC.
The Senate Paper No. 6702 reads: Council Decision to Senate: The Expiration of the Six Month Appointment of the Acting Vice Chancellor (01 December 2020 – 31 May 2021)
“Following the expiration of the tenure of Prof. I. A. Olayinka as Vice Chancellor on 30 November, 2020, the Governing Council on the recommendation of the Senate of the University appointed Prof. A. B. Ekanola as Acting Vice Chancellor for a period of six (6) months, effective December 1, 2020.
“In accordance with the extant law stipulated in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act of 2003, Section 5, Sub-section (14) which states that “An Acting Vice Chancellor in all circumstances, shall not be in office for more than 6 months”, the attention of Council was drawn to the fact that the 6 month appointment of Prof. A. B. Ekanola as Acting Vice Chancellor would expire on Monday, 31 May, 2021.
“However, Council at its meeting of Wednesday 05 May, 2021 noted that the process of appointing a substantive Vice Chancellor could not be concluded due to the dissolution of the Governing Council.
“Given the circumstance, a vacuum cannot be created in the office of the Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University in that if the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor cannot be concluded before 31 May, 2021, the position of the Ag. Vice Chancellor shall lapse.
“Therefore, Council advised that Senate should consider the above matter and make its recommendation to Council. Senate is hereby requested to consider.”
Emmanuel Ukoh
