THENATIONSDIGEST – ILESA, Osun State – Governor Ademola Adeleke has reinforced his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector in Osun State with the commissioning of major infrastructure projects at the University of Ilesa (UNILESA), describing education as the bedrock of sustainable development and economic prosperity.
The projects commissioned include the remodeled Faculty of Law Annex Building, the remodeled Faculty of Public Health Building, the reconstructed Internal Road Network, the newly constructed Hostel Building, and the remodeled Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences Building.
The commissioning ceremony marked another significant milestone in Governor Adeleke’s drive to reposition tertiary education in Osun State through strategic investments in infrastructure, staff welfare and academic excellence.
Speaking during the event, Governor Adeleke said the newly completed projects represent more than physical structures, noting that they are investments in the future of thousands of young people who will pass through the institution.
The Governor stressed that his administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where universities can thrive through improved facilities, quality teaching and research, while ensuring that students receive education in a conducive atmosphere.
He noted that the projects are part of a broader vision to make the University of Ilesa one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning and a centre for innovation, research and professional excellence.
Governor Adeleke also highlighted several interventions his administration has undertaken since assuming office to strengthen the University. According to him, the state government released funds for the institution’s first National Universities Commission (NUC) resource verification exercise in 2023, ensured annual releases for capital projects, provided a 500KVA transformer to improve electricity supply, approved the conversion of over 300 inherited contract staff to permanent appointments, cleared outstanding allowances owed to workers inherited from the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, approved the conversion of the State General Hospital, Ilesa, into the UNILESA Teaching Hospital, released funds for the rehabilitation of the hospital, and implemented the revised salary structure for academic staff.
He reiterated that the welfare of both staff and students would continue to receive priority attention as his administration pursues its agenda of building a globally competitive university system in Osun State.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, Ph.D., FCA, described Governor Adeleke’s visit as historic, noting that it was the first time a Visitor to the University had physically commissioned projects on the campus.
“Your Excellency, today is historic for the University of Ilesa. This is the first time our Visitor is physically commissioning landmark projects on this campus, and we consider it a great honour.”
Professor Asaolu said the institution had witnessed unprecedented growth under the Adeleke administration, revealing that within just three years, UNILESA had evolved into a thriving academic community with 12 faculties, a College of Health Sciences, 110 academic programmes and over 15,000 students.
“What we are witnessing today is the product of visionary leadership, consistent funding and a genuine commitment to making UNILESA a centre of excellence. These projects demonstrate what purposeful collaboration between government and academia can achieve.”
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Governor for supporting the University beyond infrastructure, citing the approval of resource verification, regular capital funding, improved electricity supply, staff welfare packages, the conversion of inherited contract staff to permanent appointments, and the establishment of the University’s Teaching Hospital.
“Beyond these beautiful structures, Your Excellency has invested in people. Your interventions have strengthened our academic programmes, improved staff welfare and positioned the University for sustainable growth.”
Professor Asaolu disclosed that the University would graduate its first set of students next year, describing the milestone as another landmark achievement in the institution’s history.
“By the grace of God, the University will be graduating its first set of students next year. We look forward to Your Excellency presiding over that historic ceremony, which will mark yet another achievement of your administration.”
He assured the Governor that the University’s Senate, Governing Council, Management, Staff and Students would continue to justify the confidence reposed in the institution.
“We assure Your Excellency of our continued support, loyalty and commitment. We shall continue to pursue excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community service to ensure that every investment in this University delivers lasting value to Osun State.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilesa, Hon. Gbenga Onigbogi, commended Governor Adeleke for prioritising education and investing in infrastructure that would benefit generations of students.
“Today’s commissioning is another clear demonstration that Governor Ademola Adeleke is committed to building a university that can compete with the best. On behalf of the Governing Council, we appreciate the Governor’s unwavering support and assure him that these facilities will be properly maintained for the benefit of the University community.”
The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, members of the academic community and other stakeholders from across the state.
Among those in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi; Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewunmi; Commissioner for Education, Hon. Eluwole Sunday Adedipo; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Bunmi Jenyo; Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilesa, Hon. Gbenga Onigbogi; Osun State PDP Chairman, Chief Sunday Bisi; members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, traditional rulers, members of the university community and several other distinguished guests.
The commissioning of the projects further underscores the Adeleke administration’s sustained investment in education, reinforcing its broader agenda of expanding access to quality higher education, improving learning infrastructure and positioning the University of Ilesa as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres of academic excellence.
He also served as Deputy Editor at Sahara Reporters Sports and worked as Content Manager for the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), contributing significantly to sports journalism and digital content development in Nigeria.
Known for his strong storytelling ability and editorial expertise, Olayinka Olawole has covered a wide range of subjects, while also building a reputation in digital storytelling, audience engagement, and content optimisation for online and media platforms.
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