By our Reporter
Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos has recounted how the plot to end his term failed and God showed up.
He disclosed this during a celebration organised for him to celebrate his 61st birthday at the Chapel of Christ Our Light yesterday.
During his testimony at the event, Ogundipe relates how his ordeal over fraud allegations played out in 2020.
He shared light about the stories and rumours levied around the university environment against him and his wife, Mrs. Ogundipe. He said,
“They said that myself and my wife, we are feeding on what they are generating from the University of Lagos,(Unilag) women society.”
Ogundipe expressed how demeaning and dirty such rumours were to his image.
He further explained that even if he needed money, he could call upon friends who would help him financially.
Due to various allegations, I was removed as UNILAG VC and it seriously hit the nation after which a subsequent probe was conducted by a disciplinary panel assigned to the matter by President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Ogundipe explained that he drew an important lesson from the coup plotted to end his term.
“I learnt something that in life,no event, no history,” Ogundipe said.
Ogundipe further said : I could remember at the January meeting in 2020, I had spiritual anger in me, and I stood at the council meeting, I bang the table and I told that man (the council chairperson) as my lord liveth before whom I stand, I will finish my tenure.“I face the man, I said, I don’t know about you because he that is in me is greater than he that is in you.”
Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu,Chairman of the Lagos State Alumni Association who gave the vote of thanks, also eulogized the Vice chancellor for been an extraordinary and for taking the University into much more greater height.
While explaining, the surgeon illustrated that Ogundipe assumed the office on 12th November 2017, was removed on the 12th August 2020, returned to the post on the 12th November, to serve as the University’s 12th Vice Chancellor.
The Birthday thanksgiving also had the Vice Chancellor remembering those who had a lasting impression in his life. His final word was to thank those who stood by him during the coup which failed.
He thanked the Sanwolu family, Ogundipe family, the Academic Staff Union of Universities Nigeria (ASUU), his academic father, Professor, Ayo Ogunye, the Lagos State alumni Association Chairman, Dr. Oluwatosin Olowojebutu, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services) Professor Folashade Ogunsola and more.
Distinguished guests present at the event were ASUU UNILAG Chairman, Dele Ashiru, Distinguish Professor Babajide Alo, Current Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics and Research) Oluwole Familoni and others.
Ogundipe joined the University of Lagos on 16th May 1990, started his career as a student lecturer and gradually rose through the ranks to become the 12th Vice Chancellor of the prestigious university.
In 2020, the University’s governing council removed Professor Ogundipe from his position as Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos following allegations of financial impropriety and gross misconduct.