By Abiodun Tadese, Ilesa.
The University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, has within 18 months after its establishment recorded several remarkable milestones.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu made this known to journalists at a media engagement in the institution.
It would be recalled that the University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, was established on 27th September, 2022, sequel to the upgrade of the erstwhile Osun State College of Education, Ilesa to a full-fledged University.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, who was appointed as the pioneer VC of the University on 12th April, 2023 by the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke highlighted the numerous achievement recorded by the the management of the Institution in the last 18 months.
According to him” Immediately after the appointment of Principal Officers for the University in April 2023, work started in earnest on the development of academic programmes, curriculum, upgrading of facilities inherited from the defunct college, re- orientation and capacity development for all categories of staff for them to have deep understanding on the workings of a University system, as well as establishing appropriate administrative framework for the University.
The University got approval from the National University Commission to commence 32 academic programmes.
He added that the university opened door to the pioneer students for the 2023/2024 academic session on 20th November, 2023 and over 2000 students were matriculated on 12th December, 2023.
Also the university got approval to commence Nursing Sciences and Medical laboratory sciences with the admission quota of 150 and 100 students respectively.
Prof. Asaolu stated that on July 24th 2024, additional 35 new programmes were approved by the National Universities Commission, bringing the total number of programmes approved for the university to 67.
To provide suitable platform for practical teaching in agricultural practices as well as lifelong learning experience, the University also has a Model Integrated Teaching and Research Farm, which comprises of fish ponds, rabbit section, cow ranch, ram and sheep ranch, turkey and chicken pen, cane rat farm, snail farm arable crop plantations, among others.
Also the Council of Legal Education visited the university on 10th September, 2024 for the facility inspection of the Faculty of Law and the Council granted approval to the university to start its Law programme, with an admission quota of 50 students.
On staff welfare, the VC said the university received approval of Governor Ademola Adeleke to engage 230 temporary staff inherited from the defunct college of education on permanent basis in the University, while the governor also released fund to offsets the allowances of the members of staff of the defunct college who were owed several amount of allowances accumulated for many years.
“Let me state that we met the defunct College of Education in a deplorable state when the University came on board. Dilapidated buildings, very dirty environment, poorly motivated staff, abandoned equipment and vehicles, non availability of restrooms, among others. Today and to the glory of God, the narration has changed and the University is moving forward.” The VC stated.
He however appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke for his timely intervention in providing the needed fund for the development of the University, adding that the Governor is happy with what the management of the university is doing and has promised to do more for the University.
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