The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Osun State, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, has credited the tremendous progress of the institution to the unwavering support of Governor Ademola Adeleke and key stakeholders in Ijesaland.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, 21st October 2024, Professor Asaolu outlined several notable achievements since the university’s establishment on 27th September 2022, following the upgrade of the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa.
Among the university’s early successes, the VC highlighted the approval of 32 academic programs by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which facilitated the admission of the pioneer batch of students for the 2023/2024 session where a total of 2,000 students were matriculated on 12th December 2023.
Further milestones include the approval of Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science programs by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), with quotas of 150 and 100 students, respectively.
The institution has also made significant strides in infrastructure, including the commissioning of its first student hostels on 2nd January 2024 and a Model Integrated Teaching and Research Farm in March.
The university’s Faculty of Law buildings, complete with a law library, moot court, and lecture halls, were also commissioned in March.
One of the standout achievements came in July 2024, when the NUC approved 35 additional academic programs, bringing the total number of accredited courses to 67.
Professor Asaolu particularly praised Governor Adeleke for his role in supporting the university’s growth.
“Governor Adeleke’s approval for the permanent employment of 230 former temporary staff, some of whom had been in precarious conditions for over 20 years, has brought renewed hope to many,” Asaolu said.
He said The governor also released funds to offset accumulated staff allowances, ensuring industrial harmony at the university.
Acknowledging contributions from both the Osun State government and private philanthropists in Ijesa land and the nation at large, the VC expressed gratitude for infrastructural upgrades, including road reconstruction within the university, and the construction of new facilities like a Nursing Sciences laboratory and a Moot Court for the Faculty of Law.
Despite these achievements, Professor Asaolu noted that funding remains the university’s primary challenge, urging more support from stakeholders to maintain the current pace of development.
The VC also recognized the university’s outstanding students and staff, highlighting David Oluwaseun Ajibola, a student from the Department of Anatomy, who recently won a bronze medal at the National Sewing Championship in Abuja, and two staff members who were named among the world’s top 200 scientists saying a postdoctoral fellowship was awarded to a staff member at the University of Turku, Finland.
In a final note of gratitude, Professor Asaolu emphasized the critical role played by Governor Adeleke and the Osun State government in making the university’s successes possible, stating that with continued support, the University of Ilesa is well on its way to becoming a beacon of academic excellence in the state and beyond.
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