Pioneer vice chancellor of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA), Osun State, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, has expressed optimism that academic work will commence in the new university by September, 2023.
Fielding questions from journalists in Ilesa yesterday shortly after the familiarisation visit of the institution by its pro chancellor, Hon. Gbenga Onigbogi, the vice chancellor said all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that the university admits students in the coming academic session.
His words, “By the grace of God before the end of September 2023, the first set of students will be admitted into the University of Ilesa. We have just had our resource verification led by the executive secretary of the national universities commission, Dr. Chris Mayaki and even with our own preparation we are expecting that we will be given the pass mark to commence this and once we pass this, they will communicate with JAMB and we will be given students.”
Earlier, Asaolu highlighted some steps taken by management since assumption of office which include, right placement of both the academic and non-teaching staff of the erstwhile College into the University staff structure, development of the University’s academic programmes with five faculties, 23 departments and 32 programmes, resource assessment for the 32 programmes by a high-powered team from the National Universities Commission (NUC) led by the NUC executive secretary among others.
In his response, Onigbogi reiterated the commitment of all stakeholders to build the newly established citadel of knowledge to an enviable first class University.
He expressed the commitment of the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to the rapid growth and development of the state university noting that all the challenges facing the institution which include funding, appointment of more staff, payment of outstanding allowances due to staff, upgrading of infrastructural facilities in the university among others are all being addressed by the state government.