Daud Olatunji
In a recent press release, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Lagos Zone, has expressed serious reservations regarding the return of Lanre Fagbohun, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU).
The union in a press release issued by the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Lagos Zone, Adelaja Odukoya,on Tuesday, questions whether Fagbohun’s return is a resumption or assumption of duty.
According to ASUU Lagos Zone, Fagbohun’s return as a Professor of Law, “after accumulated leave,” has raised concerns about the adherence to established procedures for appointees on leave of absence.
The union points out that individuals in such positions are typically expected to return to their parent institutions at the end of their tenure.
The press release highlights Fagbohun’s controversial tenure as Vice Chancellor, during which the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU declared him an enemy of the union.
The statement notes that Fagbohun, before his appointment as Vice Chancellor in 2016, was a staff member at the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos, having joined in 2011 after unsuccessful attempts to become a Professor at LASU.
ASUU Lagos Zone questions the legitimacy of Fagbohun’s claimed return to the Faculty of Law, citing a lack of adherence to LASU’s provisions on appointments and promotions.
The union raises concerns about the legality and propriety of the process, emphasizing the need for transparency in academic appointments.
The union also delves into the alleged fraudulent manipulation and alteration of Fagbohun’s promotion to the rank of Professor in May 2014, a matter submitted to a Visitation Panel constituted by the Visitor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The union expresses disappointment over the delay in releasing the panel’s report and issuing a White Paper.
ASUU Lagos Zone finds it perplexing that Fagbohun’s rehabilitation into the university is occurring without the public knowledge of the panel’s findings.
The union criticizes the irregular and seemingly illegal nature of the appointment, stressing the importance of due process and applicable regulations.
The statement concludes with a call for the current Governing Council at LASU to avoid repeating the mistakes of its predecessor.
ASUU urges a thorough evaluation of Fagbohun’s qualifications and adherence to necessary processes, emphasizing the need to uphold the university’s integrity and avoid suspicion of hypocrisy in decision-making.
The statement read partly,the issue of Fagbohun’s claim to being a Professor is indeed one out of the many issues submitted to the Visitation Panel constituted by the Visitor, Mr
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to investigate the affairs of the university.Years after the submission of the report of that panel, the State Government has refused to release it or issue a White Paper on it.
“In fact, the delay in the implementation of the decision of the Governing Council to recall the officers of ASUU-LASU illegally and vindictively dismissed under Fagbohun, as widely reported, has been hinged by the powers that be in LASU and Lagos State on the need to wait for the release of the White Paper.
“We therefore find it very strange that “Professor” Fagbohun, whose tenure,
career, character and qualifications for office forms a major part of the work of the Panel is now being rehabilitated into the university as a staff who went on an extended leave, without the possible outcome of the panel’s report.
“We also found it disappointing that the irregular and obviously illegal appointment/assumption/resumption of Fagbohun is being done in a way that makes a mockery of due process and applicable regulations in LASU.
“We had thought that the days of wanton disregard and disrespect for the laws ended with the regime of Fagbohun himself. That assumption now appears mistaken.
“Worse still, is the symbolic seal of approval of the top echelons of the university, with the public posture of Fagbohun and the Chairman of the Governing Council.
“We will like to remind the current Chairman of Council at LASU that a major reason why the preceding Council under Professor Bayo Ninalowo became a rubber stamp for Fagbohun’s illegalities was because of its inability to wean itself of the errors it committed in overlooking the inconsistencies and irregularities in
his claim to professorship and qualification for the office of Vice Chancellor.
“Rather than admit its error, that Council doubled down and became an uncritical clearing house for serial illegalities until it eventually got consumed.
” It is not too late for the current Governing Council to review the unfolding comedy of errors,
allow its relevant organs evaluate Fagbohun as they would do for other job applicants, and take his appointment through the necessary process if found qualified.
” It is a slightly better way of rehabilitating the “professor”, if he has to be employed by the university. It also helps the Governing Council avoid the suspicion of being hypocritical about its need for a White Paper to decide on matters of appointments and dismissals.”
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