UNILAG names Bello VC

Following the death of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tokunbo Sofoluwe on Saturday, the authorities of the University of Lagos have named the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Rahman Bello, as the acting VC of the institution.

A member of Senate of the institution, who pleaded anonymity, said Bello was chosen because he became a professor before Prof. Babajide Alo, the DVC (Academic Development).

Bello, the source added, would serve in acting capacity until the governing council of the institution decides to appoint a substantive VC.

The Deputy Registrar, (Information) of UNILAG, Mr. Seth Dare, who confirmed the development, added that the institution would be briefing the press on the burial plans of the deceased.

“What you have heard is not far from the truth but the university authorities will be shedding more light on it at a press briefing tomorrow (Wednesday),” he said.

Meanwhile, more Nigerians including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, the National University Commission and the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Dr. Margaret Ladipo, have paid tributes to the late VC.

Uduaghan in a statement, said the news of Sofoluwe’s death was saddening, noting that his demise would not only leave a void in the family and the university community, but in the hearts of those who knew him.

“Although it is little consolation at this sad time, it should be of some satisfaction to know that in his passing on, we can celebrate the end of a sound and productive life,” he stated.

Sofoluwe, he added, was an astute scholar, researcher and a versatile administrator.

The Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, described Sofoluwe’s death as a great loss to the nation.

In a statement by the Chief Information Officer, NUC, Mr. Bukola Olatunji, Okojie, who paid a condolence visit to the university on Monday, said, “Prof. Sofoluwe’s passing is a great loss, not only to his immediate family, UNILAG and Nigeria, but also the entire academic community, within and outside the country.”

Ladipo, while commiserating with the deceased’s widow, Titi on Tuesday, described the late Sofoluwe as an administrator with sterling qualities, who led UNILAG like a statesman.