Governor Ademola Adeleke has described the commissioning of several academic and developmental projects at the University of Ilesa as a landmark achievement, saying the institution has “taken its rightful place within the Nigerian University system” within a short period.
Speaking at the event today, the governor delivered the following remarks:
“PROTOCOLS. 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. I congratulate the Governing council, the Vice Chancellor and the management of the university. You have demonstrated your managerial and academic capacities. Our baby is growing to become an adult. I am proud of you all.”
Addressing royal fathers and Ijesa indigenes, Adeleke said he had fulfilled his pledge to make the university 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 a reality that nobody can play politics with.”
The governor outlined steps taken by his administration to establish and stabilize the university: “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. With strong political will, we appoint world class administrators to man the university.”
He added that the transition from the defunct Osun State College of Education, Ilesa was handled without harming staff welfare: “We oversee a smooth transition from the defunct Osun State College of Education, Ilesa to a University without any negative effect on staff. 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.”
On workers’ welfare, Adeleke listed salary and allowance interventions: “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 the release of withheld cooperative and other deductions. As a government committed to workers’ welfare, we implemented regular promotion of staff with financial backing. Aside approval of 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.”
Despite financial constraints, the governor said his administration prioritized infrastructure upgrades.
“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. It is on this note that I gladly commissioned these completed projects to the glory of God and humanity.”