From Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan
In line with the directive of the Ministry of Education, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Senate Committee of the University of Ibadan (UI) yesterday appointed Prof. Adebola Ekanola as the Acting Vice Chancellor.
Ekanola, the current Deputy Vice chancellor (Academic), beat four other contestants to secure the job, which will last for the next six months.
In a process presided over by the Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, at the International Conference Centre of the university, Ekanola scored 275 votes out of 337 valid votes of 400 voters.
The Deputy Vice chancellor (Research, Innovation and Partnerships), Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, polled 13 votes, Prof. Adigun Agbaje scored 15, Prof. Ayo Oluleye scored 80 votes and Prof. Gbemisola Oke got 14 votes.
The Governing Council is expected to ratify the emergence of Ekanola later in the day.
He will act for the next six months and midwife the process of selecting a substantive VC.
The NUC had ordered the Senate of the university to meet on Monday to select one of its members as the acting vice chancellor following the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Idowu Olayinka on November 30.
A source privy to the meeting explained that the meeting as expected was tough but thoroughly guided by adherence to standard procedures.
The source said: “First, Senate decided that the process would not be by consensus but by voting. Arriving at this agreement took about two hours of discussion.
“Second, it called for nominations and seconding of nominations from members.”
“Senate members nominated for the election were: Prof Adebola Babatunde Ekanola (Current Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic), Prof. Olanike Adeyemo (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Prof. A. Oluleye (Former Dean, Faculty of Technology), Prof. Adigun Agbaje (Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic) and Prof Gbemisola Oke (Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic)
“Speakers at the meeting harped on the importance of Senate taking a united decision with demonstrated transparency in order to guard the autonomy of the university and prevent interference from government and politicians.
“Members of Senate were therefore duly accredited afresh, and voting took place through secret ballot.
“The result shows: Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola got 275 votes, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo got 13 votes, Prof. A. Oluleye got 80 votes, Prof. Adigun Agbaje got 15 votes and Prof. Gbemisola Oke got 14 votes.
“The Senate ratified the results and adjourned.”
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