Adeleke hails UNIOSUN development, justifies VC tenure extension
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commended the development recorded at the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in the last four years, saying the institution’s progress informed his decision to extend the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor.
Adeleke, who spoke through his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, at the university’s convocation ceremony, said his administration had made significant investments in infrastructure, academic development and staff welfare.
According to him, 40 major building projects had been constructed and commissioned across the university in the last four years, while more than 30 other projects covering renovations, procurement, solar installations and other interventions had also been undertaken.
“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,” the governor said.
He added that the projects commissioned in August included an ultra-modern FIFA-standard Sports Complex, a 3 in 1 Science Laboratory Complex and two major lecture theatres.
Adeleke also praised the university for maintaining peace and industrial harmony, noting that UNIOSUN had not missed any academic session or failed to graduate students as and when due in the last five years.
“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 tenure of the Vice-Chancellor, Adeleke said he had approved a two-year extension effective from January 4, 2027, following consultations and compliance with the relevant provisions of the law.
He said the decision had also been backed by an amendment to the Osun State University Law (2006), recently passed by the Osun State House of Assembly.
“It must also be stated very clearly that my decision was well guided and it is rooted in legality, and in the overall best interest of the University,” Adeleke said.
The governor said his administration would continue to support the university in sustaining academic and administrative excellence.
He also defended the appointment of the university’s new Chancellor and the decision to dissolve and reconstitute the Governing Council, saying both decisions followed a review aimed at accelerating the development of the institution.
“Our resolve to also dissolve and reconstitute the Governing Council is another product of painstaking review towards accelerating the progressive development of the University,” he said.
Adeleke further highlighted some of the achievements recorded under the current Vice-Chancellor, including the attraction of five major Federal Government projects to the university.
He said the foundations of the projects had been laid, with the target of completing them before December 2027.
The governor also said the Vice-Chancellor had contributed to the revival of the university’s medical school by ensuring that the institution met the accreditation requirements of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
According to him, the university had presented all 90 pioneer MBBS students for MDCN induction and the award of UNIOSUN degrees.
Adeleke said the student population of the university had increased from 14,260 in 2022 to 42,791 in 2026.
He also cited the completion and commissioning of the 250 bed Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital, which he said had commenced full operations.
On the university’s ranking, the governor 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.
He urged members of staff and the university management to work with the Governing Council to sustain the progress recorded by the institution.
Adeleke assured staff members of continued government support, saying his administration would provide necessary interventions to improve governance and service delivery.
“But all staff members must be strongly united and rally round the University administration to ensure all-term peace and progress. I assure every staff member that no one shall be denied their legitimate dues under this administration,” he said.
