The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has approved the appointment of Professor Adebola Ekanola as the acting vice-chancellor of the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the approval of the governing council was sequel to the recommendation of the institution’s Senate for the appointment of a new acting vice chancellor.

NAN also reports that Mr. Ekanola had earlier on Monday been elected at the special senate meeting, following the directive of the National Universities Commission (NUC) as contained in its letter dated November 27.

The meeting of the council was presided over by the university’s Pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Nde Joshua Waklek.

Mr. Ekanola, before his appointment, was the deputy vice-chancellor (Academics), while he had also served as the director, Office of International Programmes (OIP) and the dean, Faculty of Arts, among other appointments.

The institution’s director of public communication, Olatunji Oladejo, confirmed the governing council’s ratification in a statement made available to NAN.

“It is confirmed that Prof. Adebola Ekanola has been appointed as the acting vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan on the recommendation of the senate of the university,” Mr. Oladejo said.

He said that the Senate, following the election of Ekanola, had submitted his name to the Governing Council for ratification as the acting vice chancellor of the university.

Mr. Ekanola’s election, held at the International Conference Centre of the university, was presided over by the Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun.

Mr. Ekanola had polled 275 votes to defeat four other contestants.
They were the deputy vice-chancellor (Research, Innovation and Partnerships), Olanike Adeyemo, who polled 13 votes; Adigun Agbaje, 15 votes; Ayo Oluleye, 80 votes and Prof. Gbemisola Oke, 14 votes.

The governing council chairman of the university presented a certificate of credence to Mr. Ekanola, the new acting vice chancellor.

NAN also reports that the process of electing the substantive vice chancellor for the institution had been enmeshed in controversy over allegations of non-compliance with due process and imposition of a candidate by the outgoing vice chancellor, Idowu Olayinka.