The Osun State Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, has approved a two-year extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Professor Clement Adebooye.


The governor announced the extension on Monday during the inauguration of the reconstituted Governing Council of the university at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo.


According to a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, Governor Adeleke said the decision was made in the interest of the institution, particularly to strengthen its governance structure, ensure continuity and prevent any administrative vacuum.


Adeleke disclosed that Professor Adebooye initially declined the offer to remain in office but later accepted the extension.


The governor also retained Professor Adewale Oladipo as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, citing his experience and understanding of the university system.


Other members inaugurated into the reconstituted council are Alhaji Gbadegesin Lawal, Alhaji Lateef Olalekan Olayanju, Mr Akinola Franklin Omoniyi, Chief Funminiyi Awotide, Mr Orija Samuel Adebayo, Mrs Adewale Adetayo Bola and Mrs Olawale Oludayo Abolade.


Addressing the newly inaugurated council members, Governor Adeleke urged them to carry out their responsibilities with humility, integrity, courage and a strong commitment to the public interest.


He called for a harmonious working relationship between the Governing Council and the university management, warning against rivalry between the two bodies.


Adeleke stressed that both the council and management must operate within the law and with mutual respect in order to advance the development of the university.


The governor described UNIOSUN as “one of the enduring investments of the people of Osun State,” noting that its academic and research activities contribute to the economic, social and intellectual development of Osun State and Nigeria.


Speaking earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Adewale Oladipo, expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke for retaining him, attributing the decision to the achievements recorded by the previous council.


Oladipo highlighted some of the accomplishments of the dissolved council and pledged that the reconstituted council would build on those achievements while working to take the university to greater heights.


In his vote of thanks, Professor Adebooye expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke, members of the Osun State Executive Council and the newly inaugurated Governing Council.


The Vice-Chancellor pledged that the university management would continue to collaborate with the council and other stakeholders to sustain the institution’s growth.


He further expressed commitment to positioning Osun State University among leading universities in Africa and beyond