A professor of linguistics at the University of Ibadan who is also president of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Prof Francis Egbokhare has debunked stories flying around that he has been appointment pioneer vice-chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan.
ON THE TRENDING NEWS OF MY PURPORTED APPOINTMENT AS VICE CHANCELLOR OF DOMINION UNIVERSITY IBADAN
Over the last twenty four hours, I have been innundated by messages from friends and colleagues over my purported appointment as Vice Chancellor of Dominion University Ibadan.
I wish to state categorically that I have not been so appointed, neither have I been under consideration at any stage for the position. The Pioneer Vice Chancellor is Professor Doyin Soyibo who is a retired Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, and an eminently qualified individual whose credentials are in the public space.
My association with Dominion University started many years ago as Chairman of the Proposal Implementation Committee.
That assignment ended when the proposed university was granted a licence at the beginning of 2019. I have also been involved in the takeoff planning and implementation. Dominion University is a mentee University to the University of Ibadan. I was part of the team that paid a courtesy call on the UI management at 1 pm on Tuesday 7th May.
At the event, the Pioneer Vice Chancellor was introduced and he sat by the VC of UI. From the discussions that went on, there was absolutely no ground for any form of ambiguities, misrepresentation or confusion as to the rightful person of the VC of Dominion University.
In fact, I had no role or function at the event through out. I am therefore most embarrassed to be the object of a most embarrassing fake news about my appointment as VC of Dominion University. The source of the information is the Media
Assistant to the Vice Chancellor.
Responsible authorities have also provided credible imprint to the the unfortunate piece of fake news. Just last night, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to stop a major news source from relaying the falsehood.
I have waited patiently for a retraction or at least a correction, if indeed, this was an error. I am forced to use this medium to set the records straight. As a responsible stakeholder, I have chosen to follow this path rather than seek redress through other appropriate means in order to minimise the damage that such steps can have on the reputation of the University of Ibadan.
Thank you.
Professor Francis EGBOKHARE.
Professor of Linguistics and President Nigerian Academy of Letters.
