The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the management of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, and Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja. This call follows the recent interdiction of the LASUCOM Provost, Professor Abiodun Adewuya, by LASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.
The university announced the interdiction of Professor Adewuya due to allegations of insubordination and unauthorized disclosure of official information. The NMA, in a letter to the governor signed by its Chairman, Saheed Kehinde, and Secretary, Hassan Jimoh, expressed concern over the frequent disciplinary actions, including the interdiction of provosts, describing the situation as “worrisome” and suggesting a power struggle between the university and college leadership.
The NMA argued that only Governor Sanwo-Olu’s urgent intervention could prevent the crisis from escalating further. The association emphasized that the recent interdiction is “unhealthy” and “capable of derailing the progress of the college needlessly.”
The university, in a memo dated August 30, stated that some of the provost’s actions were considered serious misconduct and violated university regulations. Professor Adewuya had been issued two separate queries before the interdiction, but his responses were deemed unsatisfactory, leading to a referral to the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.
The interdiction, effective from September 3, 2024, will last for an initial period of three months, during which time Professor Adewuya is relieved of all official duties. Meanwhile, Professor Olufemi Idowu, the Deputy Provost of LASUCOM, has been appointed as Acting Provost pending the investigation’s outcome.
The NMA’s letter pointed out that this is the second time in six years that a provost of LASUCOM has been interdicted, warning that such actions could harm the college’s progress. “The college has thrived excellently and has expanded both in scope and capacity and has become a major training hub for different categories of health workers in Lagos State and the sub-region,” the letter noted.
The NMA commended Professor Adewuya’s leadership over the past two years, highlighting his contributions to the college’s stability and growth. The association urged Governor Sanwo-Olu, as the Visitor to the University, to mediate in the dispute and prevent further crisis at the college.
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