The Federal Government has distanced itself from the purported removal in a statement by spokesman of the Federal Ministry of Education Ben Bem Goong.
The ministry said while it was awaiting proper briefing from UNILAG authorities, it was important to reaffirm that the council had the power to hire and fire, but must follow due process.
The statement read in part: “My dear colleagues, the Federal Ministry of Education wishes to state that it is yet to be briefed on the developments at the University of Lagos regarding the purported removal of the VC.
“While the ministry awaits for the proper briefing from the university authorities, it is important to reaffirm that council has the power to hire and fire but that due process must be followed in doing so.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG branch and the school’s Senate have both condemned the purported removal of the institution’s vice chancellor.
The governing council is chaired by Wale Babalakin.
Two members, who are UNILAG Senate representatives in the council accused the council chairman of persecuting Ogundipe.
