You can't dissolve governing councils of universities, Don tells Dapo Abiodun

A lecturer in one of the private universities in Ogun State, Dr Lawrence Agada, has advised the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun to rescind his decision to dissolve the governing councils of universities in the state; saying it is illegal.

Agada disclosed this in a chat with African Advocate, following yesterday's dissolution of all statutory boards, councils and appointments by the state house of assembly

The university Don explained that governing councils of universities could not be dissolved by anybody, no matter how highly placed, before the expiration of its term.

He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, in 2015 erroneously dissolved councils of federal universities in Nigeria. 

He spoke further that the President later apologised for dissolving the governing councils with a confession at the National Executive Council meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Thursday, March 24 that: “We gave a blanket order which we had to rescind when we said all boards are suspended or dissolved.

“We had to go back and lick our vomit in terms of universities councils because we found out that according to their laws, they cannot choose vice chancellors unless the councils sit and interview candidates who want to be VCs.

“So, there is nothing wrong in saying sorry and going back on your decision. So, we said sorry and allow all the universities to continue with their councils. So, please, try to bear with us...”

Agada said Buhari wasted no time in rescinding the decision to dissolve the universities councils, urging Dapo Abiodun to learn from Buhari's mistake and do things according to the dictates of the law, while also charging him to eschew politics of bitterness in Ogun State.