The Osun State government has defended its controversial decision regarding the tenure extension of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Clement Adebooye, insisting that the action strictly complies with the institution’s governance laws.
State authorities maintained that the legislative powers exercised by the Osun State House of Assembly override criticisms raised by the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria. The state government stressed that the legislative framework governing the university grants the assembly the authority to amend or enact statutes guiding leadership tenures.
The response follows recent public criticisms from the committee, which faulted the process and validity of extending Mr Adebooye’s time in office. The committee argued that tenure adjustments for principal officers of state universities should align strictly with established national guidelines and institutional best practices, rather than legislative interventions by state lawmakers.
However, the Osun State administration rejected the committee’s stance, clarifying that the state legislature acted well within its constitutional and statutory mandate to safeguard stability and continuity in the leadership of the state-owned tertiary institution. Officials pointed out that universities established by state edicts or laws derive their operational parameters from the state legislature.
Mr Adebooye, a professor of plant physiology, assumed office as the fourth substantive vice-chancellor of UNIOSUN. His administration has overseen infrastructure development and academic expansions across the institution’s multiple campuses located in Osogbo, Ikire, Okuku, Ifetedo, Ipetu-Ijesa, and Ejigbo.
The ongoing controversy touches on broader governance questions regarding the autonomy of state-owned tertiary institutions across Nigeria, particularly the friction between governing councils, university management, and state governments. While pro-chancellors advocate for administrative autonomy and adherence to standard university statutes, state governments often invoke proprietary rights and legislative oversight to direct institutional policies.
As the debate persists, the Osun State House of Assembly has yet to announce any formal amendments or further legislative reviews concerning the university’s extant laws, leaving the current tenure arrangement for the vice-chancellor legally intact while stakeholders monitor developments.
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