The Governing Council, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State has approved the appointment of Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi as the new and third Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Senator Chris Adighije, Chairman, Governing Council of the university, confirmed the appointment at a news conference in Lokoja on Friday.
Adighije said the process of appointing a new vice-chancellor began since September, when the position became vacant, following the exit of the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Angela Miri.
He said upon the publication of the vacancy, the Governing Council received 81 applications from various parts of the country, out of which 20 were shortlisted after vigorous screening.
The Pro-Chancellor said at the end of the interview, the selection board came up with three names rated according to their scores.
“The three candidates were in order of their performance, Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, currently, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University; Prof. Akintayo Emmanuel Temitope from Ekiti; and Prof. Krekere Fufeye from Bayelsa,” he said.
According to him, the council met on Friday morning to deliberate on the names and approved the appointment of Akinwumi as the third Vice Chancellor of the University.
He described the process as seamless and thanked members of the council for their patience and perseverance that led to the peaceful conduct of the selection.
Adighije said those in court over the screening of candidates for appointment as the vice chancellor lacked any locus standi as they were not among the 81 candidates that applied for the position.
“Those who went to court, went on their own. Nobody protested. They are just rabble-rousers,” the chairman said.
He added that there was no injunction to stop the process.
