Union dissociates self from countdown banner at LASU

The Lagos State University (LASU) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday dissociated its members from the banners, counting down to the expiration of the vice-chancellor’s tenure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the banner, being updated daily by an unknown person, said that the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Obafunwa, had 38 days to go.

NAN reports that the banners, first noticed a fortnight ago, were hung on the Badagry Expressway and Iba Gates of the institution.

‎NAN reports that Obafunwa’s tenure as vice-chancellor will end on October 31‎.

Dr Adekunle Idris, the Chairman, LASU chapter of ASUU, told NAN on Wednesday that the union ‎had no connection with the banner.

"We know nothing about the banner;maybe it is the handiwork of some concerned LASU community members, who are looking forward for a change in LASU," he said‎.

Similarly, Mr Saheed Oseni, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities ‎(SSANU), LASU Chapter, said the union had nothing to do with banner.

"We just saw the banner at the two gates and on daily basis, we noticed that it was replaced."

Meanwhile, the Governing Council of the university has started receiving application for the post.

The school's official bulletin, a copy of which was‎ given to NAN, stated that the vacancy was in consonance with relevant provisions of the LASU Law 24 of 2004.

"The Governing Council wishes to appoint a successor to outgoing vice-chancellor, whose first term as V-C expires on Oct. 31," the bulletin said.

It said that the appointment would be for ‎four years and renewable for a second term of four years only.

"Remuneration for the vice-chancellor includes a consolidated salary, housing facility, and other benefits and allowances that apply to V-Cs in Nigerian universities," it said.

The bulletin stated that all applications should be addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and submitted to the Registrar, not later than six weeks from the date of publication.

"Shortlisted candidates will be required to make themselves available for interview with the Joint Council and Senate Committee at a date that will be duly and formally conveyed to such candidates in writing," the bulletin stated.