Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said he will not interfere with the ongoing selection process for the appointment of substantive Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU).
Sanwo-Olu said this while receiving members of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), led by its chairman, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, on courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
He said that he does not have personal interest in who becomes the next VC of LASU and therefore, had no intention to influence the process.
According to him, due process will be followed in the appointment of the VC of LASU.
”The process for the appointment of the substantive LASU VC is ongoing and I can assure you that all the laws and due process that would lead to that appointment would be fully adhered to.
”I have no intention to interfere or have any interest in the choice of who would be vice chancellor. We have put in the committee men and women of impeccable character that have distinguished themselves and are willing to do for us a good job,” he said.
The governor, who promised adequate and continuous funding for state-owned tertiary institutions in Lagos State, said that plans are in top gear to establish two additional universities of technology and education in the state.
He also promised to assist the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to get back the title documents of its property situated at Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island in Lagos, saying the property would be released to the Committee at no cost.
He said that the Lagos State Government would support the Committee on its forthcoming 60th anniversary celebration holding in 2022.
Speaking earlier, Prof. Edoumiekumo commended Gov. Sanwo-Olu for rising to the occasion when COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the state and for delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Lagos State in different sectors.
He said the ongoing metro rail system and the proposed 38 kilometres long Fourth Mainland bridge project, which according to him is one of the single most significant infrastructure projects undertaken by a state government in Nigeria, are testimonies of a thoroughly focused government.
The Chairman of CVCNU said that Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s support as the Visitor to the Lagos State University is commendable and called for the Lagos State Government’s support for the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.
”As Nigeria’s economic and social powerhouse, Lagos is arguably a mini-Nigeria and leader in its federation of states. Lagos sets the agenda and leads other states to emulate in economic development, innovation, good governance and education,” he said.
Prof. Edoumiekumo said that the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities is desirous of working with key stakeholders to improve the Nigeria University system.
He, therefore, sought for a mutually-rewarding partnership with the Lagos State Government and the people in that regard. (NAN)
