OSOGBO, Nigeria — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State made an abrupt move on Friday, May 19, 2023, dissolving the governing council of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, sparking a significant shake-up in the state’s educational system.
The announcement was delivered in an official statement by Samuel Ayanleye Aina, the Osun State Head of Service, confirming that the dissolution would take effect immediately.
“The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has approved the dissolution of Osun State University Governing Council with immediate effect,” the statement read. It further went on to acknowledge the council’s prior contributions, stating,
“While thanking the council members for their selfless service and commitment to the University, the Governor equally appreciates them immensely for their contributions to the development of the university in particular and the state at large and wishes them the best in their future endeavours.”
The sudden move comes amid unconfirmed rumours of internal strife within the governing council, though these allegations were not addressed in the official statement.
Adeleke’s decision has sent ripples through Osun State, raising questions about the immediate and future leadership of UNIOSUN. T
he move may also have broader implications for Nigeria’s higher education landscape, given UNIOSUN’s prominent role in research and teaching.
The dissolved governing council was largely seen as instrumental in driving the university’s strategic initiatives, promoting its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading public universities.
Details surrounding the dissolution and potential replacements for the council remain unclear, leaving many to speculate on what this dramatic decision might mean for the university’s future.
As Nigeria’s educational sector continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Osun State, watching to see how the university navigates this sudden change and continues its mission to provide quality education to its students.
