The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday inaugurated 11-man Adhoc Committee for University of Ilesa, so as to satisfy the needs, aspirations, and fulfill the desire of the people of Ijesaland in having a University that can be sustainable and also be one of the best in the country.
He stated this in Osogbo during the inauguration program which was at Local government service commission.
Adeleke tasked the committee to take the assignment as a sacred responsibility of which they are expected to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the discharge of this historical task.
The Governor added that he has no doubt in his mind that they will submit a report that will provide a road map for a great University of Ilesa.
According to him, “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.
“I consequently urge this committee to take this assignment as a sacred responsibility. This 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.”
The Chairman of the Adhoc Committee for the University is Prof. Ashaolu Taiwo of the Obafemi Awolowo University, while other members of the committee includes; Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, Prof. Lukman Jumoda, Prof. David Oladeji, Prof. Dayo Akintayo, Prof. (Mrs) Adefunke, Dr Mutalib Akanmu, Hon Bamidele Salam, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.
However, Governor Adeleke stated that the terms of reference of the committee as follows:
1. Review and assess funding requirements for both capital and recurrent expenditures for the eventual take off of the university;
2. Review and assess the sources of funds for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the eventual take off of the University;
3. Generally review the implementation guidelines proposed by the Implementation Committee;
4. Engage all relevant stakeholders including the host community, trade Unions, Alumni association of the College,the student body, etc. with a view to harmonize the position for the way forward;
5. Identify the gaps within the UNILESA Establishment Law and make appropriate recommendations towards its amendment to ensure adequate coverage of relevant interests for the eventual take off of the University;
6. Propose 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
7. Evaluate and draw 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.
He noted that the committee have six weeks to conclude this assignment.
