Prof. Omololu Soyombo, the newly appointed acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, says he is set to take the institution to a greater height.
Soyombo, who addressed journalists on Wednesday at the varsity’s Senate Chamber, said he assumed the post on August 12, 2020 and as such would work to bring the institution to an enviable position.
He said, “I will certainly ensure the University of Lagos is lifted to a higher pedestal than the point it was on the 12th of August when I was appointment. Our core responsibilities include research, teaching and community service.
“We shall ensure effective delivery of lectures by upgrading our teaching facilities, provide modern multimedia, projectors and upgrade research facilities for better performance because the university is the repository of knowledge.”
Prior to the media parley, Soyombo had a meeting with some of the members of staff of the university at the Senate Foyer where he disclosed his immediate plans for the workers.
“My major focus will be on staff welfare, my believe in this regard is that human resource is the core asset of the university and any organisation. If humans are not there, we cannot achieve anything. I can assure you that the issue of staff welfare and promotion will be properly addressed. A well-motivated staff will be able to work well,” he added.
While reacting to the rejection of his appointment by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG chapter, Soyombo said, “ASUU is our union, I am a member of ASUU. We will continue to dialogue with ourselves. It is rare to have 100 per cent agreement in any organisation or group, there will always be different opinions. We need a cordial and peaceful environment for us to progress and discharge our duties.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of ASUU-UNILAG, Dr Dele Ashiru, insisted that the Union’s position remained unchanged.
“As far as our university is concerned, our position remained unchanged, the process leading to the appointment of the so-called acting VC is not known to the books of the university.
“The Senate of the university is the highest decision making organ on academic affairs, the Senate has spoken and that remained unchanged. A VC will not assume office by addressing pressmen and some disgruntled member of staff. You take charge when you take off,” Ashiru said.
