Adeleke Defends UNIOSUN VC’s Two-Year Extension, Cites Projects and Staff Welfare

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has defended his decision to extend the tenure of Osun State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, by two years, citing infrastructure development, improved staff welfare and academic stability as key reasons for the move.

The extension, which takes effect on January 4, 2027, is intended to sustain the university’s development under Adebooye’s leadership, according to the governor.

Adeleke announced the decision through his deputy, Kola Adewusi, during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony held at its main campus in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Thursday.

The governor said the extension followed consultations and compliance with the relevant state law, adding that the decision was supported by an amendment to the Osun State University Law 2006, which the Osun State House of Assembly passed earlier in September 2026.

Infrastructure Development and Academic Stability

Adeleke attributed the decision to what he described as progress in infrastructure, academic activities and institutional administration during Adebooye’s first four years in office.

According to the governor, approximately 40 major building projects were completed and commissioned during the period, alongside other interventions aimed at improving teaching, learning and administrative operations.

He also highlighted renovation works, equipment procurement and solar power installations as part of the university’s development efforts.

The governor said he had personally visited the campus to commission projects each year, describing the developments as part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the institution.

Staff Welfare and Industrial Harmony

Staff welfare and industrial relations also featured prominently in the governor’s explanation for retaining Adebooye.

Adeleke said UNIOSUN had maintained relative industrial harmony under the current management and had implemented the 2025 Federal Government staff union agreement.

He described the university as a model in staff welfare and the teaching and learning environment, arguing that stable relations between management and workers had contributed to its progress.

The governor’s remarks placed staff welfare alongside infrastructure and academic development as key considerations behind the extension.

Five Federal Government Projects Expected by December 2027

The governor also disclosed that UNIOSUN had attracted five major Federal Government projects in September 2026.

According to Adeleke, foundation-laying ceremonies had been conducted for the projects, with completion targeted for December 2027.

The projects are expected to contribute to the university’s infrastructure development, although the governor’s statement did not specify their individual locations, costs or detailed scope.

Their progress and eventual completion will be important indicators of how the institution’s development plans translate into improved facilities for students and staff.

UNIOSUN Medical School Records Progress

Another achievement highlighted by Adeleke was the university’s progress in meeting accreditation requirements for its medical school.

The governor said the institution had presented 90 pioneer Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students for induction by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

He also said the students had been awarded UNIOSUN degrees, marking a significant development in the institution’s medical education programme.

The milestone reflects the university’s efforts to strengthen its health sciences education and expand its contribution to medical training in Nigeria.

What the Extension Means for UNIOSUN

The two-year extension is expected to provide continuity in the university’s leadership as it pursues ongoing infrastructure projects, academic development and improvements in staff welfare.

Adebooye’s tenure extension takes effect on January 4, 2027, following the legislative amendment and consultations cited by the governor.

The decision also places attention on the implementation of the university’s development plans, including the completion of the five Federal Government projects and the continued strengthening of academic programmes.

However, the governor’s announcement did not provide a detailed breakdown of the projects’ budgets, the specific terms of the extension or measurable targets for evaluating the university’s performance during the additional two years.

These details will be relevant to assessing the outcomes of the leadership extension as the university moves into its next phase of development.

Background: UNIOSUN and Its Leadership

Osun State University, commonly known as UNIOSUN, is a state-owned institution established by the Osun State Government. Its main campus is located in Osogbo, with other campuses across the state.

Professor Clement Adebooye has led the university as Vice-Chancellor during a period that the state government says has seen infrastructure expansion, staff welfare interventions and progress in medical education.

The extension of his tenure comes as the institution prepares to continue its academic and administrative programmes beyond January 2027.

What Happens Next?

The immediate priorities include the commencement of the extended tenure on January 4, 2027, continued implementation of infrastructure projects and the delivery of the five Federal Government-backed projects by the stated December 2027 target.

The university’s management and staff have also been urged by the governor to work with the governing council to sustain institutional development and improve service delivery.

Whether the extension delivers the intended continuity and academic progress will depend on the execution of these commitments and the university’s performance over the next two years.