Juliet Oladele, Reporting
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Professor Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who resigned from the position less than a year after his appointment.
Professor Aina was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2025, while members of the board were inaugurated in November of the same year.
A distinguished academic and renowned botanist, Professor Ogundipe served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos between 2017 and 2022.
His areas of expertise include molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany and ecological conservation.
He holds a doctorate degree in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Lagos.
The 66-year-old scholar currently serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
Professor Ogundipe is a fellow of several professional organisations, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnaean Society of London and the Royal Society of Biology, London.
He has also served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).
As Chairman of the NUC Governing Board, Professor Ogundipe will oversee the regulatory body responsible for Nigeria’s university system, with a focus on funding, academic stability and enhancing the global competitiveness of tertiary institutions.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu expects the former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor to provide visionary leadership and strengthen the credibility of the Nigerian university system in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President also expressed confidence that Ogundipe would advance quality, access and integrity within the nation’s higher education sector.
REJOINDER TO THE APPOINTMENT OF PROF. OLUWATOYIN OGUNDIPE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION (NUC)
The recent appointment of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as Chairman of the National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised serious concerns within sections of the Nigerian academic community.
At a time when the Federal Government continues to proclaim a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the Renewed Hope Agenda, this appointment sends a troubling signal to many stakeholders in the university system.
Several allegations of administrative misconduct and corruption were made against Prof. Ogundipe during and after his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. Some of these matters reportedly formed part of petitions submitted to anti-corruption agencies and government authorities. Questions have also been raised concerning the findings of various investigations and the recommendations of visitation panels constituted to examine governance issues within the University.
Given these unresolved concerns, the Federal Government owes Nigerians, particularly the university community, an explanation.
If Prof. Ogundipe has been investigated and completely exonerated, the Federal Government should make public all relevant reports, including the Presidential Visitation Panel Report and any White Paper arising therefrom, so that Nigerians can independently assess the facts.
Transparency demands nothing less.
The appointment of individuals to strategic positions such as the NUC should not merely satisfy political considerations; it must inspire confidence within the academic community and reinforce public trust in our institutions.
The NUC is the apex regulatory body responsible for maintaining standards, promoting integrity, and providing leadership for Nigeria’s university system. The occupant of such an office should be above reproach or, at the very least, free from unresolved controversies that could undermine the credibility of the institution.
The Federal Government must appreciate that appointments are not merely administrative decisions; they are powerful statements of values.
What message does this appointment send to university administrators, lecturers, students, and the wider Nigerian public?
Does it suggest that unresolved allegations and pending questions regarding public service records are inconsequential?
For those of us who have previously submitted petitions concerning certain actions during Prof. Ogundipe’s tenure, it is imperative that the relevant anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference or hindrance.
The issue at stake transcends the personality of Prof. Ogundipe.
It concerns the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
It concerns the credibility of public institutions.
It concerns the commitment of this administration to accountability and due process.
Accordingly, we call on the Federal Government to:
Publish all relevant reports, findings, and White Papers relating to investigations into the administration of the University of Lagos during Prof. Ogundipe’s tenure.
Clarify publicly whether all allegations and petitions against Prof. Ogundipe have been fully investigated and resolved.
Ensure that anti-corruption agencies are allowed to independently investigate any outstanding matters without political interference.
Reconsider the appointment if significant unresolved issues remain.
Nigeria’s universities deserve leadership that not only possesses academic credentials but also commands unquestionable public confidence.
The Renewed Hope Agenda must not be perceived as a Renewed Impunity Agenda.
Signed:
Engr. Babatunde Oloko
Former Director of Works & Physical Planning,
University of Lagos
Concerned Stakeholder in the Nigerian University System