•Inaugurates adhoc committee
The governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has charged newly-inaugurated adhoc committee set up on proposed University of Ilesa (UNILESA) to take the assignment as a sacred responsibility.
Giving the charge during the inauguration of the committee, Senator Adeleke said that the gathering was convened to address a matter which is of utmost interest to his administration.
He also expressed his desire to make the university one of the best in Nigeria.
He described Ijeshaland as a territory of personal interest to the state government, hence the administration’s commitment to satisfying the needs and aspirations of the good people of Ilesa and environs.
Governor Adeleke stated: “Before and after the governorship election, I developed deep interest on the issue of University of Ilesa. My first conviction is that Ilesa indeed deserves a University, considering the achievements of Ijesha people at home and abroad.
“I was however worried about the politicisation of the project. The last administration avoided due diligence and comprehensive project report. Instead, it opted for political action on a subject that demands thorough planning, covering financial and academic forecast and provision.
“This administration is however committed to doing the right thing. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the interest of Ijeshaland is adequately protected and satisfied.
“My desire is to have in place a University of Ilesa that will be sustainable; a university that will be one of the best in the country.”
The 11-member adhoc committee is under the chairmanship of Professor Ashaolu Taiwo of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Other members included Professors Oyesoji Aremu, Lukman Jumoda, David Oladeji, Dayo Akintayo and (Mrs) Adefunke, Dr Mutalib Akanmu, Hon. Bamidele Salam and permanent secretaries of
Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice.
The terms of reference given by the governor to the committee included reviewing and assessing funding requirements for both capital and recurrent expenditures for the eventual take off of the university.
Other terms of reference were listed as:
•Review and assessment of the sources of funds for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the eventual take off of the University;
•General review of the implementation guidelines proposed by the Implementation Committee;
- Engagement of all relevant stakeholders including the host community, trade Unions, Alumni association of the College,the student body, etc. with a view to harmonizing the position for the way forward;
Identification of the gaps within the UNILESA Establishment Law and making appropriate recommendations towards its amendment to ensure adequate coverage of relevant interests for the eventual take off of the University;
•Proposal of modalities for phased implementation of the University such that faculties and courses of study are matched with funding requirement of each phase of the implementation; and
•Evaluation and drawing appropriate policy recommendations towards the execution of the existing obligations, assets and liabilities of the College of Education, Ilesa with a view to removing all impediments for the eventual take off of the University.
Urging this committee to take the assignment as a sacred responsibility, the governor said that the “issue at hand touches the heart and soul of our people.
“You are therefore expected to bring your wealth of experience to bear on the discharge of this historical task. I have no doubt in my mind that you will submit a report that will provide a road map for a great University of Ilesa.”
He gave the adhoc committee members six weeks to conclude the assignment.
