On Saturday February 27th, 2021, the Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU), announced that it has shortlisted nine professors considered eligible to succeed the vacant Vice Chancellorship of the institution.

As earlier reported by EKO HOT BLOG, at the close of submission of applications, 13 professors applied from within and outside LASU for the apex seat of power in the university. The governing council decided to adopt an unconventional interview, which would require the VC- candidates to write a computer-based test.

A breakdown revealed that seven internal professors were shortlisted for the interview scheduled to hold on March 11 at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja.

Two shortlisted professors are from other institutions, while one is a don in Namibia.
Among the seven internal candidates, two do not have PhD and their inclusion by the council is generating ripples on the campus.

The internal candidates include Prof. Akinyemi Kabir (Faculty of Science), Prof. Elias Wahab, current deputy vice-chancellor and Prof. Sena Bakre, Faculty of Science. Others are Prof. Ibiyemi-Bello Olatunji, LASUCOM, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, LASUCOM, Prof. Dideolu Awofoju (Namibia), Prof. Abiodun Adewuya, acting Provost of LASUCOM, and Prof. Ayodeji Badejo, former Dean, Faculty of Education.

The recent development in the appointment of the next LASU Chief comes in the wake of an earlier contentious nomination process which saw the inclusion of many candidates several quarters in the university believed were unqualified for the position.

Recall that the Visitor to LASU, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, January 8, 2021, cancelled the previous appointment exercise on the grounds that it violated set guidelines and marred by irregularities.

Consequently, the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at the Lagos State University (LASU) had commended the decision of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos to cancel the process for the selection of a new vice-chancellor for the university.

They described the selection process as “flawed, error-ridden, and inevitably controversial.”

Also, a group, identified as Concerned Staff of the Lagos State University, LASU, had called for the probe of the head of the Governing Council of the institution.

In a letter addressed to the Visitor of the institution, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the group faulted the selection process for a new Vice-Chancellor, noting that there seems not to be a levelled-playing ground for all aspirants.

However, in the light of recent events, an end to the protracted conflict surrounding the appointment of the next Vice Chancellor of the institution seems to be in sight as the Academic Staff Union of the University as well as other quarters within the institution have hailed the recent shortlisting process as credible enough to produce the next Lagos State Varsity Chief.

READ ALSO: LASU Governing Council Shortlists 9 Professors For VC