Adeleke approves N3bn for UNILESA staff allowances

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, has disclosed that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the payment of over N3 billion in outstanding staff allowances, alongside the conversion of 300 temporary workers to permanent staff.

Prof. Asaolu made this known on Wednesday during a press conference marking his third anniversary as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the institution in Ilesa, Osun State.

He noted that the governor’s intervention has restored industrial harmony and brought stability to the university’s operations.

According to him, the institution has recorded significant progress across academic, infrastructural and administrative sectors since its establishment in April 2023, following the upgrade of the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa.

The Vice-Chancellor revealed that the university now runs 97 academic programmes, all accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The programmes span key disciplines including Law, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Chinese Studies and Special Education.

Highlighting infrastructural strides, Asaolu pointed to the university’s 18-hole golf course as a landmark achievement, noting that it has enhanced the institution’s national profile. The facility has hosted several tournaments and events, including the Professional Golfers’ Association’s 15th Qualifying School Seminar, positioning UNILESA as an emerging hub for golf.

He also underscored efforts to strengthen practical learning, particularly in agriculture, through the establishment of an Integrated Teaching and Research Farm. The facility includes a cattle ranch, fish ponds, poultry, turkey and rabbit units, crop demonstration plots and agro-processing centres, with plans underway to expand its commercial viability.

The Vice-Chancellor further emphasized the university’s commitment to entrepreneurship education, stating that with support from the Osun State Government and TETFund, investments have been made in modern equipment and skill acquisition centres to enhance students’ employability.

Commending Governor Adeleke, Asaolu said the administration’s support has been instrumental in the institution’s development, particularly in infrastructure and staff welfare.

He recalled that the university inherited over 300 staff on temporary appointments from the defunct college, many of whom earned less than N25,000 monthly, while permanent staff were owed several allowances.

“These challenges initially posed serious obstacles to the smooth take-off of the university, but the governor’s intervention has addressed them and ensured industrial peace,” he said.