In a bid to ensure smooth take-off of the University of Ilesa, Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has inaugurated an adhoc committee on the institution. The committee became necessary in a view to satisfying the needs and aspirations of the good people of Ilesa and environs.
While inaugurating the committee on Tuesday, at the Governor’s office in Abere, Adeleke stated that his administration is set to ensure the people of Ijesha have a university and that their interest is adequately protected.
He said “My first conviction is that Ilesa indeed deserves a University considering the achievements of Ijesha people at home and abroad. I was however worried about the politicisation of the project. The last administration avoided due diligence and comprehensive project report. Instead, it opted for political action on a subject that demands thorough planning ,covering financial and academic forecast and provision”.
“My desire is to have in place a University of Ilesa that will be sustainable, a university that will be one of the best in the country”.
The Adhoc Committee will be chaired by a renowned Professor from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Ashaolu Taiwo.
Other members of the committee includes ; Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, Prof. Lukman Jumoda, Prof. David Oladeji, Prof. Dayo Akintayo, Prof. (Mrs) Adefunke, Dr Mutalib Akanmu, Hon Bamidele Salam ,Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.
Adeleke gave the committee 6 weeks to report back to the State.
Reeling out the terms of reference of the committee, the tasked the panel to among other things review and assess funding requirements for both capital and recurrent expenditures for the eventual take off of the university”
“Review and assess the sources of funds for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the eventual take off of the University”.
“Generally review the implementation guidelines proposed by the Implementation Committee”.
“Engage all relevant stakeholders including the host community, trade Unions, Alumni association of the College,the student body, etc. with a view to harmonize the position for the way forward”.
“Identify the gaps within the UNILESA Establishment Law and make appropriate recommendations towards its amendment to ensure adequate coverage of relevant interests for the eventual take off of the University”.
“Propose modalities for phased implementation of the University such that faculties and courses of study are matched with funding requirement of each phase of the implementation”.
“Evaluate and draw appropriate policy recommendations towards the execution of the existing obligations, assets and liabilities of the College of Education, Ilesa with a view to removing all impediments for the eventual take off of the University”.
However, he urged the committee to take this assignment as a sacred responsibility. They are therefore expected to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the discharge of this historical task.
“I have no doubt in my mind that you will submit a report that will provide a road map for a great University of Ilesa”, he concluded.
Speaking with InsightMedia, chairman of the committee, Professor Asaolu Taiwo appreciated the governor for the task given to him and his committee members and promises to deliver the work assiduously.
InsightMedia recalled that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola announced the conversation of Osun State College of Education Ilesa to a full fledged university in 2022. The National University Commission has also given the approval to the varsity.
