Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has extended the tenure of Osun State University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, by two years, citing the need for continuity and stability at the institution.
Adeleke announced the decision on Monday while inaugurating the reconstituted Governing Council of the university at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo.
The governor disclosed that Adebooye initially declined the offer before eventually accepting the extension, which he said was in the interest of the university.
The decision came days after Adeleke dissolved and immediately reconstituted the university’s Governing Council as part of efforts to strengthen its governance structure and prevent any administrative vacuum.
Prof. Adewale Abiodun Oladipo was retained as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. He previously headed the dissolved council.
The reconstituted council also includes Alhaji Gbadegesin Lawal, Mr Akinola Franklin Omoniyi, Chief Funminiyi Awotide, Mr Orija Samuel Adebayo and Mrs Adewale Adetayo Bola.
Adeleke charged the council members to work harmoniously with Adebooye and the university management, warning against a situation where the governing council and management operate as competing centres of authority.
He said the council must discharge its responsibilities within the law while maintaining mutual respect and placing the advancement of the university above personal interests.
The governor described UNIOSUN as an important investment of the people of Osun State, noting its contributions to education, research and the broader development of the state.
Adebooye, who became UNIOSUN’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor in 2022, has overseen the university during a period of increased emphasis on infrastructure, research and institutional development.
The university has expanded its facilities in recent years, with major projects including a Senate building, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology building and additional lecture facilities across some of its campuses.
Research has also remained a major part of the institution’s development agenda, with UNIOSUN academics securing grants and participating in international research collaborations.
The governor’s decision to retain Adebooye also provides continuity as the university continues to deal with staff welfare, academic development and infrastructure needs.
In April, Adeleke approved implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement for UNIOSUN and directed the commencement of payment of relevant arrears from January 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to Adeleke, members of the state executive council and the new Governing Council for their support.
Adebooye pledged that the university management would continue working with the council and other stakeholders to sustain the institution’s growth and strengthen its position among leading universities.
The new council is now expected to work with the management to consolidate existing programmes while pursuing further improvements in academic quality, research, infrastructure and institutional governance.
