Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday, commissioned the anatomy complex built at the Osun state university (UNIOSUN),main campus, Osogbo in remembrance of his late brother, who was the first executive governor of the state.
The governor who performed the commissioning earlier before the commencement of the university 14th Convocation held at Prince Olagunsoye auditorium hall of the Institution, also announced at the convocation ground that, his administration had approved a 25% and 35% salary increase for all teaching and non-teaching staff of this University, and paid a year’s arrears to the staff members.
He stressed also that,the state-of-the-art multi-storey Senate Building, located right opposite this auditorium, is under speedy construction and listed other projects in progress at the Institution as, the University’s Faculty of Computing Building, a 500-capacity lecture theatre, and a 3-in-1 laboratory complex that can accommodate 1,500 students at once.
“I attribute this massive infrastructure expansion and growing student population to visionary leadership, innovative resource mobilization, and prudent financial management.
“This august gathering may be interested to know that the Government of Osun State conducted a special audit investigation into the finances of the University last year. I read the report of the Audit Team and felt very proud of the leadership of this University.
“We have also paid palliative allowances to all workers and are currently working on the modalities for the implementation of the newly approved minimum wage.
“We understand the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies, and I want to assure our staff that we are not oblivious to your struggles. We are doing everything within our power to mitigate the impact on your lives. We remain committed to ensuring you receive the support you deserve, within the limits of the law.
“I wish to reiterate that the state government fully supports the governing council and management of this University in all staff welfare matters.”
“I must sincerely thank our esteemed Chancellor, Apostle Dr. Folorunso Alakija, for your love, not only for Osun State University but for humanity at large. You continuously demonstrate your love for humanity through selfless philanthropic gestures. I had the privilege of paying a thank-you visit to you in Lagos on Thursday, May 16, 2024, and I was deeply moved by your warmth and generosity.
“I am pleased to confirm that the world-class hospital you and your great family have graciously donated to the University is now almost fully completed. All equipment and engineering installations are nearing finalisation.
“As part of our appreciation and support for this remarkable edifice, we have undertaken the construction of a dual-carriage access road from the main road to the hospital. This project is scheduled for completion before the end of next month. I also assure you that the State Government will work with your great family to ensure an excellent, well-organized, and well-publicized commissioning of the project at a time you deem most appropriate, very soon.
“I have noted that UNIOSUN has established a “no-strike,” “no-aluta” tradition, which keeps the University running even when other institutions are down. This culture of avoiding strikes and protests does not, in any way, suggest oppression or dictatorship. Rather, it reflects good leadership at all levels of University governance.”
He, however, commended the management of the university under the leadership of Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye as Vice-Chancellor saying he recognised the spirit of purpose, unity, and commitment with which the Management team has consistently worked.
“I also note the quality of leadership and the sense of direction with which the Vice-Chancellor has been piloting the affairs of the University over the past three years. When a University with six (6) campuses is undertaking massive construction projects despite limited financial resources, we must give credit to the Vice-Chancellor,” he submitted.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye said the realities in the country demand that leaders invest more in education
“At a time like this when there is an increase in societal, national and global challenges, the wisest decision any Government and nation can take is to invest more in quality education. To almost all the problems of Nigeria today, good education and advances in science and technology have very great roles to play.
“Osun State has been specially blessed with this highly promising University: a University that has defied all challenges, including an expensive multi-campus architecture against dwindling economic resources.
“The University has proved itself to be highly and potentially feasible, just as it has shown exceptional focus and commitment to the ideals of a globally competitive 21st century university in excellence and relevance,” he concluded.
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