By Sola Isola
The Vice Chancellor of University of Ilesa, Prof Olufemi Asaolu has said that the University was completely moribund, dilapidated and in bad state before Senator Ademola Adeleke became Governor of the state.
He explained that Governor Adeleke released over N4billion to as kickoff grant for the university while adding that over 230 temporary staffs of the University who had been on contract for over 20 years were also converted to full time staff.
Prof Asaolu who stated on Tuesday while receiving the Popular Social Media Influencer, Omolola Fasakin, also known as ‘Mewolaka’ and members of the media of team of the Governor led by Hon Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, added that the University community has never has electricity since it was yet a college until Governor Adeleke recently gave the university a 500kVA transformer which has now been connected.
He said, “When we assumed leadership, we were faced with a daunting challenge. The new university was plagued by more liabilities than assets, including dilapidated and abandoned buildings, outdated equipment and vehicles scattered across the campus.
“The laboratories and library were stocked with old and obsolete equipment and books. The staff we inherited was demotivated, owed substantial outstanding allowances and unpaid bank loans taken by the previous College Management weighed heavily on us. The state of infrastructure was equally dire, with bad roads, dirty environment and abandoned public toilets being the order of the day.
“Furthermore, we inherited a large number of temporary staff being paid from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) who were owed several months’ salaries, as well as debts to contractors and individuals coming around on daily basis to demand for their monies.
“However, thanks to the timely intervention of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. We were able to navigate these challenges. His leadership and support have been instrumental in revitalizing the university, and we are grateful for his commitment to UNILESA.
“I am happy to state that the narration has now changed to a better one. The University currently has 9 faculties offering 67 programmes that were all approved by the National Universities Commission and certain professional bodies.
“The University has received tremendous support from the Osun State Government, led by His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State and Visitor to the University.”
Prof Asaolu listed some of the notable supports to include: Release of over #4 billion as take-off grant and for infrastructural and programme development of the University; Conversion of over 230 temporary staff appointments to permanent staff; Payment of outstanding allowances owed the staff of the defunct College of Education, Ilesa.
Regular payment of staff salaries; Timely promotions of Staff; Construction of internal road network, which has been left abandoned for over 15 years; Donation of a brand new 500kva transformer to the University; Approval of free tuition for programmes in the University students studying education; Provision of brand new Official Vehicles for the Principal Officers.
Speaking further the Vice Chancellor notes that with the funds released to the University by the State Government, the University has been able to undergo significant transformations, with numerous facilities upgraded to enhance the learning experience.
He listed key achievements to include: Rehabilitation of abandoned vehicles, returning them to operational use; Enhancement of the library with recent books, journals, and e-resources, powered by solar energy; Equipping laboratories for effective practical classes.
Provision of a well-stocked law library with up-to-date law reports and a state-of-the-art e-library; Installation of smart boards across faculties to facilitate digital learning; Renovation of public toilets, ensuring cleanliness and accessibility.
Prof Asaolu noted further that overall, the University’s infrastructure and facilities are now in excellent shape, providing a conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
“As earlier stated, the University of Ilesa has indeed witnessed remarkable growth, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke to our Institution’s academic and physical development.
“We are deeply grateful for the Osun State Government’s consistent commitment to our institution’s growth and development. The University of Ilesa’s remarkable progress would not have been possible without the tireless support, benevolence, and passion of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.
“We acknowledge the governor’s transformative vision, which has enabled our institution to thrive. The entire university community remains indebted to Mr. Governor for his leadership and dedication to education”, he added.
The Vice Chancellor thereafter led the team to inspect the University Livestock Farm, Faculty of Law, e-library, College of Health Science, Faculty of Nursing Science, Anatomy Complex, ongoing reconstruction of a 350 seater lecture theater, ongoing construction of an Animal farm, ongoing construction of an ultra modern female hostel and ongoing the road network within the University campus.
