Adeleke Lists UNILESA Reforms, Says University Promise No Longer ‘Political Talk’

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that the establishment and development of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) is no longer a political promise but a reality, as his administration commissioned six major projects at the institution.

Adeleke, who spoke during the commissioning ceremony at the university campus on Tuesday, said his government had moved the university project beyond what he described as “audio pronouncement” by enacting the necessary legislation, securing accreditation for programmes and providing the institutional framework for its growth.

The governor, who was received by students, staff and traditional rulers, said the university had “taken its rightful place within the Nigerian university system” within a short period.

“Within such a short period, I am proud that the University has taken its rightful place within the Nigerian university system. Our baby is growing to become an adult,” Adeleke said.

Addressing Ijesa sons and daughters, the governor said he had fulfilled his pledge to actualise the university, adding that the dream of having a university in Ilesa had become a reality.

“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 now a reality that nobody can play politics with,” he said.

Adeleke explained that his administration inherited what he called an “audio pronouncement” on the university from the previous government but took concrete steps to establish it legally and operationally.

“From audio pronouncement by the previous administration, our government enacted a state law establishing the university, providing a framework for its governance. We secured accreditation of several courses,” he said.

He added that the government appointed experienced administrators to oversee the institution and ensured a smooth transition from the defunct Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, into a university without adverse effects on workers.

The governor listed staff welfare measures, including the conversion of temporary and contract workers of the former college into permanent and pensionable employees, payment of outstanding allowances and approval of new salary structures.

“We implemented the conversion of all temporary/contract staff of the defunct College to permanent and pensionable staff. We paid all outstanding allowances owed by the Management of the defunct College,” Adeleke said.

“We approved and implemented new university salary structures, including payment of arrears. We ensured payment of half salaries owed to workers in Osun State as well as the release of withheld cooperative and other deductions,” he further revealed.

The Governor stressed that his administration remained committed to improving workers’ welfare through regular promotions backed by financial provisions, adding that the implementation of a new salary structure for non-teaching staff would follow once the state’s financial position improves.

Despite economic challenges, Adeleke said his government had continued to invest in upgrading infrastructure and academic facilities at the university.

“Despite the financial challenges of the last two years, we are also upgrading the physical infrastructures within the university. Today’s gathering is a manifestation of our commitment to upgrade this university in terms of its internal facilities and academic infrastructures,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Prof. Olufemi Ashaolu, commended the governor’s commitment to the institution, saying UNILESA had witnessed remarkable growth in just three years.

According to him, the university had expanded from a vision into a thriving academic community with 12 faculties, one College of Health Sciences, 110 academic programmes and more than 15,000 students.

“In just three years, UNILESA has grown from a vision to a thriving academic community of 12 Faculties, one College of Health Sciences, 110 Academic Programmes, and over 15,000 students,” Ashaolu said.

He noted that the growth had positively impacted the socio-economic fortunes of the host communities and Osun State, attributing the progress to the governor’s leadership, funding and commitment to making the university a centre of excellence.

The projects commissioned by the governor included the remodelled Faculty of Law Annex Building, remodelled Faculty of Public Health Building, reconstructed internal road network, new hostel buildings, female medical hostel and Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences building.

The commissioning was attended by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Chairman of the Imole Campaign Council, Prof. Wale Oladipo; Director General of the campaign, Senator Lere Oyewumi; General Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi; Accord Senatorial candidate for Osun East, Hon. Ibukun Fadipe, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.