Unilesa Running Tuition-Free Programmes In Education, Agriculture To Address Manpower Gaps – VC
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Professor Taiwo Asaolu, has said the Osun State government approved tuition-free programmes in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture to stimulate enrolment and address critical national manpower gaps.
The VC, who stated this on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the institution’s campus as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office, commended the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Asaolu said the university has received tremendous support from the governor in the last three years through his interventions.
He noted that Adeleke, apart from granting permanent appointments to the temporary staff of the defunct Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, all outstanding allowances owed amounting to over Three Billion Naira were also paid.
He said, “We cannot afford to leave the teaching profession in the hands of non-professionals and quacks. Equally, agriculture is central to economic prosperity and food security. We therefore considered it expedient that these two strategic sectors must not be allowed to lag in human capital development.
“The Governor must also take credit for the
industrial peace we now enjoy. We inherited over 300 staff on temporary appointments from the defunct Osun State College of Education, Ilesa.
“Those on permanent appointment were also owed several allowances. When we assumed duty, agitations from these staff constituted a major setback to the smooth take-off of the University.
“The Governor rose to the
occasion and provided lasting solutions: all temporary staff were granted permanent appointments, and all
outstanding allowances owed to permanent staff,
amounting to over Three Billion Naira (₦3billion) only, were fully paid. Retired staff of the defunct College and next-of-kin of deceased staff also benefited from this payment.”
Highlighting some of his achievements in office, Asaolu said the university currently runs 97 academic programmes, approved by the National Universities Commission.
“These include – Law, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science,
Physiotherapy, Optometry, Chinese Studies, and
Special Education, among others.
“We have also received NUC approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme. We are now awaiting the concurrent approval of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), in order to commence the programme.”
He noted that the student population has grown to over 15,000 across Bachelor’s Degree, JUPEB, Pre-Degree, and other academic programmes, adding that, “This remarkable growth
within three years of take-off reflects public confidence in the quality and relevance of UNILESA’s academic
offerings.”
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On entrepreneurship, the Vice Chancellor, said the university places a premium on entrepreneurship education as a critical pillar of graduate employability.
According to him, “With strategic support from the Osun State Government and TETFund, the University has made substantial investments in modern training equipment and dedicated skill acquisition centres for the benefit of our students.”
Speaking further, Asaolu, said, “Our staff and students have begun to make significant impact and bring pride to the University. Our students have excelled in sports, debate, and talent hunt competitions. Several of our staff have also won research grants and prestigious fellowships, enhancing our reputation as a serious academic institution.”
He, however, said the institution is faced with some challenges which includes, inadequate on-campus student accommodation, noting that the current hostel capacity serves less than 30% of the student population.
He also said the university is battling with unreliable public power supply and remains heavily dependent on diesel generators.
“There is a pressing need for additional lecture theatres, laboratories, and office complexes to accommodate our
expanding programmes and staff complement,” Asaolu added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
