It is with great pride and high level of joy that I welcome you all to this blessed occasion of the 14th Convocation Ceremony of Osun State University. Today is, no doubt, a day of ceremony, a clear indication of the successful completion of yet another academic session by this enviable citadel of learning. I therefore rejoice with the Governing Council, Management and entire staff and students of Osun State University for your focused commitment to achieving the aspirations of the university founding fathers.
I must thank our prestigiously esteemed Chancellor, Apostle Dr. Folorunso Alakija, most sincerely for your love, not only for Osun State University but for humanity at large. You demonstrate constant love for humanity through selfless philanthropic gestures. I had the privilege of paying a thank-you visit to you in Lagos on Thursday May 16, 2024 and I was deeply moved by your warmth and generosity.
I must confirm to you once again, that I am personally excited that the world class hospital you and your great family have graciously donated to the University is now almost fully completed. All equipment and engineering installations are nearing completion. As part of our appreciation and complementation of this edifice, we have taken up the construction of a dual-carriage access road to the Hospital from the main road. This is scheduled for completion before the end of next month. I also assure you that the State Government will work with your great family to ensure an excellent, well organised and well publicized commissioning of the project at a time you deem most appropriate, soonest. Please accept the appreciation of the Government and good people of Osun State for your benevolence in this regard.
I must commend the Governing Council of this University under the leadership of Professor Wale Oladipo for the high-quality leadership and visionary guidance the Council is fostering in this University. I thank you for ensuring that UNIOSUN is forging ahead in spite of the globally socio-economic realities. That the University can hold its convocation for the 2023/2024 academic session under the current economic realities indicates the University’s commitment to the business of teaching and learning.
I have noted that UNIOSUN has established a “no-strike” “no aluta” tradition, and it is these that keep the University up when other schools are down. This culture of no strike and no aluta does not in any way presuppose oppression or dictatorship. Rather, it is an indication of good leadership at all levels of the University governance. Permit me to also specially acknowledge and commend the Management of this University under the leadership of Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye as Vice-Chancellor. I note the spirit of purpose, unity and commitment with which the Management team has always worked together. I equally note the quality of leadership and sense of direction with which the Vice-Chancellor has been piloting the affairs of the University in the last three years. If you have a University with six (6) campuses with ongoing massive constructions in spite of the limited financial resources, then we must give kudos to the Vice-Chancellor.
Earlier today, I commissioned the Late Sen. Isiaka Adeleke Anatomy Complex on this Campus. On the same Campus too, a state-of-the-art multi-storey Senate Building, right opposite this Auditorium, is under speedy construction. Others include the University’s Faculty of Computing Building, 500-Capacity Lecture Theatre and a 3-in-1 Laboratory Complex that can accommodate 1,500 students at a time. I attribute the massive infrastructure expansion and increasing student population to visionary leadership, innovative resource mobilization and prudent and transparent financial management. It may interest this august gathering to note that the Government of Osun State conducted a special audit investigation into the finances of the University just last year. I read the report of the Audit Team and felt very happy and proud of the leadership of this University.
I admonish the Vice-Chancellor and other leaders of the University to keep the spirit of transparency, accountability and value for money on, as I assure you of increased Government support to ensure unhindered progressive development of the University. As a government that places the welfare of its people at the forefront of its agenda, we have consistently ensured that we support and stand by this University to achieve its vision and mission. We understand the vital role that this institution plays in the development of our state, and we are committed to supporting it in every possible way.
Our government has demonstrated serious commitment by granting various approvals. In the last one year, we supported the University to complete a long abandoned office complex at the Isale-Osun Campus to meet the University’s requirements for health related programme accreditations. We have also supported the University towards the construction of its ultra-modern Anatomy Complex which we commissioned earlier today. We have also prioritized the construction of roads leading to the student area at Sasha market and other campuses of our University. In line with our commitment to the welfare of our citizens and the development of education in Osun State, we have approved the implementation of a 25% and 35% salary increase for all teaching and non-teaching staff of this University. We paid a year's arrears promptly to the staff members. We have also paid palliative allowances to all workers, and we are currently working on the modalities for the implementation of the newly approved minimum wage. We understand the challenges imposed by the removal of fuel subsidies, and I want to assure our staff that we are not oblivious to their struggles. We are doing everything within our power to mitigate the impact on your lives. We remain committed to ensuring that you receive the support you all deserve, within the limits of law.
I wish to also reiterate that the State Government restates its full confidence in the Governing Council and Management of this University. As such, the Government is in full support of Council’s decisions on all staff welfare matters. I wish to state, however, that staff members of the University should not take this liberty for granted, and should not, under any guise, political or ideological, seek to foment trouble over any welfare matter that has been closed by the Governing Council of the University. The Council takes decision within the provisions of law. To all staff and students of this University, I charge you to remain steadfast in your responsibilities and continue to serve your motherland with dedication. The progress of this citadel of learning can only be sustained through a peaceful and harmonious environment. Let us avoid unnecessary rancor and acrimony. Instead, focus on the common goal of advancing this great institution.
To the parents and guardians gathered here today, I urge you not to completely let go of your children as they step into the next phase of their lives. They remain your future, and your guidance will be crucial as they navigate the challenges ahead. Encourage them to further their education if possible and to apply the knowledge they have gained here to solve the pressing problems in our society. Encourage and support them to be problem solvers, not just problem identifiers or problem creators. Their education should be a tool for positive change, and I am confident that they will rise to the occasion.
To our happy graduates, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. As you step out of these hallowed halls, I want you to remember that the world is in need of your talents, skills, and innovative ideas. Be courageous, be resilient, and above all, be agents of change. Whether you choose to further your education, join the workforce, or even enter the realm of politics, do so with the aim of making a positive difference. Our nation needs bright minds like yours to steer it towards a brighter future. I strongly believe you can!
I wish you all success in your future endeavors. May you go forth and shine as proud ambassadors of Osun State University and of this great nation.
● Text of an address delivered by Governor Ademola Adeleke at the 14th Convocation of the Osun.State University .
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