UI COUNCIL APPOINTS PROF. EKANOLA AS THE ACTING VICE--CHANCELLOR

The Governing Council of University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Adebola Ekanola (Powell, 1980), as the Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan at its meeting on Monday, 30 November, 2020 on the recommendation of the School's Senate.

This came after the Ministry of Educaton through the National Universities Commission, told the Senate of the University to select one from among them to act as the Vice Chancellor of the school.

It was, as expected, a tough meeting but one thoroughly guided by adherence to standard procedures. First Senate decided that the process would be, not by consensus but by voting. Arriving on this agreement took about two hours of discussion.

Secondly, 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)
Professor Olanike Adeyemo (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships)
Prof. A. Oluleye (former Dean, Fauclty of Technology)
Prof. Adigun Agbaje (Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic)
Prof Gbemisola Oke (former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic)

According to speakers at the meeting, it was important that Senate took a united decision with demonstrated transparency in order to guard the autonomy of the university and prevent interference from government and politicians.

Reports had it that Ekanola scored 275 votes to beat four (4) other contestants. Prof. Adigun Agbaje polled 15 votes, Prof. A Oluleye had 80 votes, Prof. Gbemisola Oke with 14 votes and Prof. Olanike Adeyemi polled 13 votes.

The process of selecting a new VC for the University got suspended after some internal crisis erupted.
With that, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, asked that the Senate of the school appoint an acting VC, this spurred the process that selected Adebola Ekanola.