…As varsity records rapid transformation, expands academic frontiers three years after take-off —VC
By Gbadamosi PolifusionNg
The Osun State government has approved the payment of over ₦3 billion in outstanding allowances and the conversion of no fewer than 300 temporary staff of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) to permanent status.
The Vice-Chancellor, Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, disclosed this during a press conference held at the university’s premises in Ilesa on Wednesday.
Professor Asaolu said the intervention, approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke, had restored industrial peace and significantly stabilised the institution’s operations.
He added that the university had recorded remarkable transformation across its academic, infrastructural, and administrative sectors within three years of its establishment.
According to the vice-chancellor, UNILESA, established in April 2023, following the upgrade of the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, had undergone rapid development.
He described the condition inherited at inception as deplorable, marked by dilapidated infrastructure, obsolete facilities, demoralised staff, and a student population of fewer than 1,000.
“The situation posed serious challenges to our take-off, but today, we have a good story to tell,” Asaolu said.
The vice-chancellor disclosed that the university currently ran 97 academic programmes, all approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), covering disciplines such as Law, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Chinese Studies, and Special Education.
He noted that 40 of the programmes had already secured full accreditation status, describing the achievement as remarkable for a relatively young institution.
The university has also received approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programmes, pending final clearance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
“This positions us strategically in medical education and healthcare delivery,” he said.
On Faculty of Technology, Land Recovery, he said as part of its expansion efforts, the university has established a Faculty of Technology with programmes in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechatronics Engineering.
The institution also reclaimed 15 acres of land previously occupied by housing units built by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and acquired 24 units on the site, which would serve as the faculty’s base.
He added that student enrolment had grown from fewer than 1,000 at inception to over 15,000 across degree, JUPEB, and pre-degree programmes.
Professor Asaolu described the surge as a reflection of public confidence in the university’s academic offerings.
The vice-chancellor also announced the establishment of the University of Ilesa Teaching Hospital, following, the upgrade of the State General Hospital, Ilesa.
He said the facility was being upgraded to support clinical training and improve healthcare delivery in Ijesaland and surrounding areas.
The university has received support from institutions such as TETFUND, NELFUND, corporate bodies, and notable individuals, including the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.
These contributions, he said, had significantly boosted infrastructure development and academic growth.
UNILESA’s 18-hole golf course has also enhanced its national visibility, hosting major events such as the Professional Golfers’ Association’s 15th Qualifying School Seminar.
In a bid to address manpower gaps, the university has introduced tuition-free education for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture.
Additionally, children and wards of staff enjoy a 50 per cent tuition discount.
The institution has also strengthened entrepreneurship training, equipping students with practical skills in areas such as fashion design, solar installation, agribusiness, and digital content creation.
“These initiatives ensure our graduates are job creators, not just job seekers,” Asaolu said.
He said the state government also reconstructed the university’s road network, improving accessibility and campus aesthetics.
The vice-chancellor noted that students and staff had continued to record achievements in academics, research, sports, and professional examinations, including Institute of Chattered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Despite the progress, he identified key challenges, including inadequate hostel accommodation, unstable power supply, and the need for more lecture halls and laboratories. But he assured that the university was addressing these issues as part of its long-term development plan.
Professor Asaolu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, infrastructure development, staff welfare, and community engagement.
He expressed appreciation to the Governing Council, staff, students, donours, and the Ijesa community for their support.
“As we consolidate these gains, we remain committed to building a world-class institution that will stand the test of time,” he said.
