UNIOSUN Remains Top Priority of Our Government – Governor Adeleke

It is with great pride and immense joy that I welcome you all to this blessed occasion of the 14th Convocation Ceremony of Osun State University.

Today is, without a doubt, a day of celebration, marking the successful completion of yet another academic session at this enviable citadel of learning. I, therefore, rejoice with the Governing Council, Management, and the entire staff and students of Osun State University for your focused commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the university’s founding fathers.

I must sincerely thank our esteemed Chancellor, Apostle Dr. Folorunso Alakija, for your love, not only for Osun State University but for humanity at large. You continuously demonstrate your love for humanity through selfless philanthropic gestures. I had the privilege of paying a thank-you visit to you in Lagos on Thursday, May 16, 2024, and I was deeply moved by your warmth and generosity.

I am pleased to confirm that the world-class hospital you and your great family have graciously donated to the University is now almost fully completed. All equipment and engineering installations are nearing finalization. As part of our appreciation and support for this remarkable edifice, we have undertaken the construction of a dual-carriage access road from the main road to the hospital. This project is scheduled for completion before the end of next month. I also assure you that the State Government will work with your great family to ensure an excellent, well-organized, and well-publicized commissioning of the project at a time you deem most appropriate, very soon.

Please accept the heartfelt appreciation of the Government and good people of Osun State for your generosity in this regard.

I must commend the Governing Council of this University, under the leadership of Professor Wale Oladipo, for the high-quality leadership and visionary guidance the Council has provided. Thank you for ensuring that UNIOSUN continues to forge ahead despite global socio-economic challenges. The fact that the University is able to hold its convocation for the 2023/2024 academic session under current economic realities underscores its commitment to the business of teaching and learning.

I have noted that UNIOSUN has established a “no-strike,” “no-aluta” tradition, which keeps the University running even when other institutions are down. This culture of avoiding strikes and protests does not, in any way, suggest oppression or dictatorship. Rather, it reflects good leadership at all levels of University governance.

Permit me to also acknowledge and commend the Management of this University under the leadership of Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye as Vice-Chancellor. I recognize the spirit of purpose, unity, and commitment with which the Management team has consistently worked. I also note the quality of leadership and the sense of direction with which the Vice-Chancellor has been piloting the affairs of the University over the past three years. When a University with six (6) campuses is undertaking massive construction projects despite limited financial resources, we must give credit to the Vice-Chancellor.

Earlier today, I had the honor of commissioning the Late Senator Isiaka Adeleke Anatomy Complex on this campus. Additionally, a state-of-the-art multi-storey Senate Building, located right opposite this auditorium, is under speedy construction. Other projects include the University’s Faculty of Computing Building, a 500-capacity lecture theatre, and a 3-in-1 laboratory complex that can accommodate 1,500 students at once.

I attribute this massive infrastructure expansion and growing student population to visionary leadership, innovative resource mobilization, and prudent financial management. This august gathering may be interested to know that the Government of Osun State conducted a special audit investigation into the finances of the University last year. I read the report of the Audit Team and felt very proud of the leadership of this University.

I urge the Vice-Chancellor and other University leaders to maintain the spirit of transparency, accountability, and value for money. I also assure you of increased Government support to ensure the progressive development of the University continues unhindered.

As a government that prioritizes the welfare of its people, we have consistently supported this University in achieving its vision and mission. We recognize the vital role this institution plays in the development of our state, and we remain committed to supporting it in every possible way.

In the past year, our government has demonstrated its serious commitment by granting various approvals. We supported the completion of a long-abandoned office complex at the Isale-Osun campus to meet the University’s accreditation requirements for health-related programs. We also supported the construction of the ultra-modern Anatomy Complex, which we commissioned earlier today. Additionally, we have prioritized the construction of roads leading to student areas, such as the one near the Sasa Market, and other campuses.

In line with our commitment to the welfare of our citizens and the development of education in Osun State, we have approved a 25% and 35% salary increase for all teaching and non-teaching staff of this University, and we promptly paid a year’s arrears to the staff members. We have also paid palliative allowances to all workers and are currently working on the modalities for the implementation of the newly approved minimum wage.

We understand the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies, and I want to assure our staff that we are not oblivious to your struggles. We are doing everything within our power to mitigate the impact on your lives. We remain committed to ensuring you receive the support you deserve, within the limits of the law.

I wish to reiterate that the State Government fully supports the Governing Council and Management of this University in all staff welfare matters. However, I must caution that staff members should not take this support for granted. They should not, under any guise, political or ideological, seek to cause trouble over any welfare matter that has already been resolved by the Governing Council. The Council makes decisions within the provisions of the law.

To all staff and students, I urge you to remain steadfast in your responsibilities and to continue serving your motherland with dedication. The progress of this great institution can only be sustained through a peaceful and harmonious environment. Let us avoid unnecessary rancor and acrimony. Instead, let us focus on advancing this institution.

To the parents and guardians gathered here today, I encourage you to continue guiding your children as they step into the next phase of their lives. They are your future, and your counsel will be crucial as they face new challenges. Encourage them to further their education, if possible, and to apply the knowledge they have gained here to solve society’s pressing problems. Support them in becoming problem solvers, not just problem identifiers or problem creators. Their education should be a tool for positive change, and I am confident they will rise to the occasion.

To our happy graduates, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. As you step out of these hallowed halls, remember that the world needs your talents, skills, and innovative ideas. Be courageous, be resilient, and above all, be agents of change. Whether you choose to further your education, join the workforce, or even enter politics, do so with the aim of making a positive difference. Our nation needs bright minds like yours to steer it toward a brighter future. I strongly believe you can!

I wish you all success in your future endeavors. May you go forth and shine as proud ambassadors of Osun State University and of this great nation.

● Text of an address delivered by Governor Ademola Adeleke at the 14th Convocation of the Osun.State University .