The Southern Youth Forum, SYF, has passed a vote of confidence on the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, hailing his leadership for transforming the institution through massive infrastructure, academic expansion and restoration of peace.
Addressing journalists on Thursday in Osogbo, the National President of the group, Amb. Olajide Olakunle, said the decision was informed by the impact of the Vice Chancellor’s administration on the university community, where youths and students form the majority.
The group listed over 60 projects completed between 2022 and 2026 across the university’s seven campuses.
It said during the VC’s tenure, the institution has witnessed tremendous projects which include “the Iconic Senate Building, Faculty of Computing and Faculty Building in Osogbo and Ikire, multiple lecture theaters ranging from 250 to 1300 capacity, 360 and 200-bed hostels, Science Lab Complex, Anatomy Complex, Sports Complex, Medical personnel apartments, ICT Resource Centre, and internal roads in Osogbo and Ikire campuses.”
In terms of facilities, the forum noted the provision of free campus-wide WiFi, solar power in all college offices and health centers across the seven campuses, as well as the furnishing and equipping of laboratories in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, MLS, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology and others.
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It added, “the creation of Nutrition and Dietetics laboratories, purchase of a brand new tractor for the College of Agriculture, and networking of all campuses for lecture delivery,” as some of the facilities Adebooye’s administration provided for the university.
On academic development, SYF said the number of Bachelor degree programs had grown from 66 in 2022 to 128, while student population rose from 14,600 to 42,348 within the same period.
“PhD programs also increased from 39 to 209. The group added that UNIOSUN is now ranked as the 3rd best State University in Nigeria, 19th out of 312 universities in Nigeria and 137th out of 2,390 universities in Africa,” the statement added.
The forum also commended the VC for completing the world-class Alakija Medical Research Hospital which he met at 40% completion stage, leading the university to win over 75 international research grants valued at millions of dollars, and reducing cost of administration through virtual lecture delivery across campuses.
On industrial harmony, the group said Professor Adebooye restored peace to the institution which was previously known for workers’ protests and crises between 2016 and 2021.
“He pardoned all the 17 interdicted members of staff and cleansed the university of crisis,” the group stated.
The Southern Youth Forum described Adebooye as an “icon” and “outstanding role model” whose vision, diligence and dedication have made him a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerian youths.
“We own it as a duty, on behalf of humanity, to profoundly appreciate and celebrate this icon who has contributed immeasurably towards the economic growth and infrastructural development of Nigeria with greater efficiency, proficiency, patriotism and dedication,” Olakunle said.
The group also appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIOSUN chapter to sustain the existing peace, saying the VC remains a father to all and continues to practice the open-door policy he is known for.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we did this in solidarity with the man that has really contributed a great quota to our education system. His leadership dexterity and trademark achievements are audible to the deaf and visible to the blind. We appeal once again to all concerned to kindly allow the sleeping dog to lie in UNIOSUN,” the statement noted.
Professor Adebooye was appointed Vice Chancellor of Osun State University in 2022.
His tenure was recently extended by two years by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
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.
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