Charles Abah
29 November 2007
Lagos — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is in for another shocker as the University of Lagos (UNILAG) authorities yesterday turned down his nomination for an honorary doctorate degree.
Also, the institution's immediate past pro-chancellor, Chief Afe Babalola and a Sierra-Leonean and judge at the International Court of Justice at the Hague George Koroma had their nominations rejected.
The senate of the 47-year old Ivory tower, Daily Champion gathered yesterday to appraise nominees for the university's convocation billed for December as well as do examine other sundry issues.
Our correspondent gathered that the candidature of the former president was roundly rejected by the senate ostensibly for the disdain he had for nation's academic community during his administration. Interestingly, president Obasanjo just ended his tenure as the institution's visitor last may.
Earlier, the university's Honours Committee which met last October 25, it was also gathered had recommended the former president alongside five other persons for honorary digress.
They included form Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku his United Nations counterpart, Kofi Anan, a Sierra-Leonean and judge at the International Court of Justice, Hague, George Koroma, former UNILAG Pro-chancellor and chairman of council, Umaru Shehu and Chief Babalola (SAN.
At yesterday's senate meeting, Daily Champion learnt that the vice chancellor, Prof Tolu Odugbemi had sought bloc approval for all the nominees but this was turned down by the members.
According to a source, the senate members insisted that each nominee should be treated individually.
However, a senior lecturer in the university who sought anonymity told Daily Champion yesterday night that honouring the former president would mean endorsing all his policies when he was in office including his alleged third term bid to remain in office.
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