OYO: Makinde directs LAUTECH VC Ogunde to step aside

GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde has ended the reign of Prof. Michael Ogunde as the Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso.

The governor’s decision was communicated in a letter through the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, yesterday.

The letter read, “His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State and the visitor to the Ladoke Akintola University, has directed that the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. M. O. Ologunde should step aside until further notice.

“Consequently, the VC has also been directed to hand over forthwith to the next principal officer in rank in order to ensure uninterrupted flow of normal activities of the institution.”

Though the reason for the action was not stated in the letter, it may not be unconnected with the alleged involvement of the vice-chancellor in unbecoming of his office.

Makinde, before taking this decision, had accused the vice-chancellor of instigating workers of the university to agitate for payment of unpaid salaries.

Makinde had said he was surprised that workers at the university started agitating payment of outstanding salaries immediately after the crisis rocking the university was resolved.

The Oyo State Government had taken ownership of the university formerly owned by the state and Osun State.