Adeleke Defends UNIOSUN VC Tenure Extension, Lists Four-Year Development Milestones

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended the extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, saying the decision was based on merit, legality and the overall interest of the institution.

Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, stated this on Thursday while addressing the university’s 16th convocation ceremony, where he highlighted what he described as remarkable academic, infrastructural and administrative achievements recorded by the institution in the last four years.

The governor said the administration had witnessed accelerated development across the university’s campuses, noting that 40 major building projects had been completed and commissioned since 2022.

He said, “In the last four years, 40 main building projects have been constructed and commissioned for use. There is no year that I have not personally come to the campus to commission legacy projects.

“In August this year alone, I commissioned the ultra-modern FIFA-standard Sports Complex, 3-in-1 Science Laboratory Complex, and two landmark Lecture Theatres.”

According to him, more than 30 complementary projects, including renovations, procurement and supplies, as well as solar installations, had also been executed to improve the teaching, learning and administrative environment of the university.

Adeleke further commended the management and staff for sustaining what he described as peace and industrial harmony, saying UNIOSUN had not missed an academic session in the last five years or failed to graduate deserving students as and when due.

“It is on record that UNIOSUN is the second state-owned university to fully implement the 2025 FGN-staff union agreement. So, in terms of staff welfare and overall teaching and learning environment, this university remains a model,” he said.

On the controversial extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure, Adeleke said he approved a two-year extension beginning January 4, 2027, following consultations and compliance with relevant provisions of the state law.

He explained that the decision was subsequently backed by an amendment to the Osun State University Law 2006, which was passed by the State House of Assembly earlier in September.

The governor said the decision was aimed at ensuring continuity in the university’s development and academic progress, insisting that it was guided by legality and merit.

“Our choice of the new Chancellor followed a similar merit-driven thought process, and the innumerable applause from all parts of the world proved us right on Mama BOVAS’ appointment,” Adeleke added.

He also defended the government’s decision to dissolve and reconstitute the university’s Governing Council, describing it as the outcome of a review aimed at accelerating the institution’s development.

“We are therefore not bound by any law or tradition to accept the dictates of any staff union regarding what we think is the best for our university,” the governor said.

Highlighting the Vice-Chancellor’s achievements, Adeleke said the university had attracted five major Federal Government projects in September alone, with their foundation stones laid and plans underway to complete them before December 2027.

He also said the Vice-Chancellor had helped revive the university’s medical programme, leading to the fulfilment of accreditation requirements set by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the presentation of 90 pioneer MBBS students for induction and award of UNIOSUN degrees.

According to him, the university’s student population has also increased from 14,260 in 2022 to 42,791 in 2026, while the 250-bed Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital had been completed and commenced full operations.

On the institution’s ranking and visibility, Adeleke said UNIOSUN had, for the first time in 11 years, emerged as the third-best state university in Nigeria, 19th among 312 universities in the country and 137th among 2,390 universities in Africa.

The governor urged the university’s management, staff and Governing Council to work together to sustain the gains recorded in recent years, promising continued government support for improved governance and service delivery.

He also assured members of staff that his administration would protect their legitimate entitlements, while urging them to remain united in the interest of peace and continued progress at the institution.

“I assure every staff member that no one shall be denied their legitimate dues under this administration,” Adeleke said.