Moses Ofodeme
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, on Monday commissioned four landmark infrastructure projects at the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) and officially installed Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson as the institution’s third Chancellor.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony, Governor Adeleke congratulated the renowned businesswoman on her appointment, expressing confidence that her wealth of experience, integrity and leadership would further strengthen the institution’s growth and international standing.
Describing the new Chancellor as “a symbol of integrity, diligence, discipline and purposeful leadership,” the Governor said his administration remains committed to appointing accomplished personalities who can add value to public institutions.
“Our administration remains resolute in its commitment to repositioning education as the cornerstone of sustainable development.
“Apart from welcoming our new Chancellor, we are today commissioning another set of landmark projects including a Sports Complex, Laboratory Complex, 1300-capacity Lecture Theatre and a 850-capacity Lecture Hall.
“We are also constructing campus internal roads here and at the Ikire Campus while other academic infrastructure is ongoing across our campuses. We are serious about developing this University to global standards,” Governor Adeleke stated.
The Governor also paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, appreciating her exceptional service, generosity and commitment to the advancement of Osun State University.
Responding, the new Chancellor, Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, popularly known as Mama BOVAS, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Adeleke for the confidence reposed in her, describing the appointment as a call to greater service.
She said her investiture was not merely a personal honour but “a clarion call to serve my state and join the good work Governor Ademola Adeleke is doing,” pledging to deploy her experience, influence and network to attract strategic partnerships, strengthen academic excellence and support the continued growth of the University.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, praised Governor Adeleke for what he described as unprecedented support for the institution, noting that the administration has consistently approved requests that have enhanced staff welfare, expanded infrastructure and strengthened academic development.
Professor Adebooye disclosed that UNIOSUN has grown from 649 students and 19 academic programmes at inception in 2007 to over 42,000 students and 108 academic programmes, while commending the Governor for sustaining investments that have positioned the institution among Nigeria’s leading state universities.
The investiture ceremony followed the commissioning of the University’s Sports Complex, Science Laboratory Complex, 1300-capacity Lecture Theatre and 850-capacity Lecture Hall, and was attended by top government officials, members of the Governing Council, traditional rulers, captains of industry, academics, students and other distinguished guests.