Adeleke Commissions New Projects at University of Ilesa, Reiterates Commitment to Education
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday commissioned a number of academic and infrastructure projects at the University of Ilesa, describing the institution as one of the landmark achievements of his administration.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at the university, Adeleke said the institution had recorded significant progress within a short period, attributing its growth to effective leadership by the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the management.
“I am delighted to attend this landmark event, the commissioning of several academic and developmental projects of this great university. Within so short a period, I am proud that the university has taken its rightful place within the Nigerian university system,” the governor said.
He praised the university’s leadership for steering the institution in the right direction.
“You have demonstrated your managerial and academic capacities. Our baby is growing to become an adult. I am proud of you all,” he said.
The governor also told traditional rulers and the people of Ijesaland that his administration had fulfilled its promise to establish the University of Ilesa, stressing that the institution was now firmly rooted in law.
“To our royal fathers and the entire Ijesa sons and daughters, I have fulfilled my pledge to make this university a reality. Your dream, our dream, is a reality that nobody can play politics with,” Adeleke stated.
He explained that although the previous administration announced the creation of the university, his government provided the legal framework by enacting the law establishing the institution and subsequently secured accreditation for several academic programmes.
According to him, the government also ensured a seamless transition from the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, to a full-fledged university without disrupting the careers of existing staff.
Adeleke said all temporary and contract employees of the defunct college were converted to permanent and pensionable appointments, while outstanding allowances owed by the former management were paid.
He added that his administration implemented the university’s new salary structure, settled salary arrears, paid half salaries owed to workers across the state and released withheld cooperative and other deductions.
The governor further disclosed that regular staff promotions had been carried out with financial benefits and assured that non-teaching staff would soon benefit from the new salary structure.
“As a government committed to workers’ welfare, we implemented regular promotion of staff with financial backing. Aside from approving the implementation of the new salary scale for academic staff, similar approval will soon be extended to non-teaching staff once the financial status of the state improves,” he said.
Despite the state’s financial challenges, Adeleke said his administration had continued to invest in the physical development of the institution.
“Today’s gathering is a manifestation of our commitment to upgrade this university in terms of its internal facilities and academic infrastructure,” he said.
The governor thereafter commissioned the completed projects, declaring them open to the glory of God and humanity.