The Senate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, on Thursday said it has started the process for the selection of a new Vice-Chancellor.

The incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Olusola Oyewole, is currently facing a criminal charge alongside two others for alleged misappropriation of N800 million belonging to the university.

The three including the chairman of the university’s governing council, Adeseye Ogunlewe, were granted bail after they were charged to court by the anti-graft EFCC.

But the Senate of the university stressed that the search for Mr. Oyewole’s successor had nothing to do with his trial, as his tenure will end in the first quarter of next year.

In fact, the body reaffirmed its confidence in Mr. Oyewole’s ability to continue to provide academic and administrative leadership to the university until his tenure runs out next year.

Announcing the resolution by the Senate in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES, the university’s spokesman, Emi Alawode, explained that the commencement of the selection process was in line with the laws governing the university.

According to Mr. Alawode, the Senate stated that it reserved comment on the allegations against some officers of the university, as the matter was before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Senate also expressed satisfaction with all measures taken by the Governing Council and the university management to ensure peace, security and unfettered academic activities in the institution.

The body, however, said it had “deep concern over the emerging trend in Nigerian universities, where some persons or group of persons in the guise of unionism, acting alone or in concert with internal and external influences, seek to control the levers of administration and undermine the peace and harmony in the system”.

It thus re-affirmed its resolve to uphold the laws of the University and ensure discipline and good governance at all times.

In another development, the Governing Council of the University has approved the elevation of 23 teachers (Readers) to professors, while 285 other academic and non-teaching staff were also promoted.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Oyewole, the promotion exercise was in recognition of the dedication and contribution of the affected staff to duty.

The embattled vice chancellor, who is also the President, Association of African Universities (AAU), expressed optimism that the exercise would further motivate the affected staff.