Adeleke Dissolves UNIOSUN Governing Council
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dissolved the Governing Council of Osun State University, Osogbo.
The board of the university was appointed by previous governors Rauf Aregbesola in 2016, and Adegboyega Oyetola after it completed its first five-year tenure.
A press release signed by the State Head of Service, A. Aina, on May 19, stated that the Governor approved the dissolution of the institution’s Governing Council.
The letter thanked the Council members for their selfless service and contributions to the development of the University and the State at large.
Osun State University is a multi-campus university established by the Osun State Government under the administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
It has campuses in major cities across the country, including Osogbo, Okuku, Ikire, Ejigbo, Ifetedo, and Ipetu-Ijesha.
The University has a mission to provide “high-quality teaching, research, and service that would encourage the development of skills, knowledge, and social responsibility.”
The dissolution of the Governing Council is not without precedent in Nigeria, where the appointment and dissolution of university boards by state governors have been a recurring issue.
Critics of this practice argue that it adversely affects the progress of these institutions, particularly their academic and institutional autonomy.
Nevertheless, Governor Adeleke has approved the dissolution of the University’s Governing Council, while thanking them for their contributions to the development of the institution.
The need for quality education remains paramount in Nigeria as many universities and other educational institutions continue to grapple with inadequate education funding, the shortage of qualified academic staff, and unsupportive government policies.
Governance and leadership can also have an impact on the quality of education that these institutions provide.
Hence, there is a need for a concerted effort by stakeholders within Nigeria’s educational sector to address these challenges, including advocating for the preservation of institutional autonomy.
Regardless of the reasons behind the dissolution of the Governing Council, it is hoped that the Osun State government will continue its support for the University and work towards ensuring that it remains a quality institution that delivers on its mandate.
The University has an essential role to play in providing quality education, not just for the State of Osun but for the entire nation, and must be supported to do so.
