Osun govt defends UNIOSUN VC’s tenure extension, cites legal framework

The Osun State Government has defended the extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Professor Clement Odunayo Adebooye, insisting that the decision was not an arbitrary executive action but one anchored on the statutory framework governing the institution.

The government’s position came against the backdrop of concerns reportedly raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the extension, with the union said to be preparing to send a delegation to Osogbo to engage the authorities on the matter.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government said that while it recognised the right of ASUU and other staff unions to express their views, those rights could not supersede the powers vested in the university’s statutory organs.

According to the government, UNIOSUN’s administration is governed by its enabling law, which clearly defines the responsibilities of the Visitor, Governing Council, the State Legislature, and other institutional authorities.

It argued that ASUU, as a trade union representing academic staff, has a legitimate role in protecting the interests and welfare of its members, but does not possess the statutory authority to determine who occupies the office of Vice-Chancellor or dictate how the Visitor and Governing Council should exercise powers conferred on them by law.

The government further maintained that there was no question of an illegal or retroactive extension, stressing that Professor Adebooye’s existing tenure remains valid until January 2027.

It explained that the decision to extend the tenure was taken by Governor Ademola Adeleke in his capacity as Visitor to the university and was subsequently followed by legislative action by the Osun State House of Assembly.

According to the statement, the House of Assembly commenced the process of amending the Osun State University Establishment Law to create the statutory basis for the extension after the Visitor had exercised his powers.

The government said the amendment was considered and passed by the legislature, thereby making it misleading to suggest that the Governor acted alone or outside the established legal framework of the university.

It stressed that the existence of a previous provision prescribing the tenure of a Vice-Chancellor does not permanently prevent the legislature from reviewing or amending the law through the constitutionally prescribed legislative process.

The state government consequently argued that the legislative intervention was evidence that the matter had been subjected to institutional scrutiny rather than being handled solely through executive fiat.

It also rejected suggestions that the development constituted a governance crisis at the university, warning that attempts to portray the issue as an illegal takeover or institutional breakdown could unnecessarily heighten tension within the academic community.

The government said the Governing Council remains the appropriate statutory body for matters within its jurisdiction, while the Visitor is equally entitled to exercise powers assigned to the office under the university’s enabling framework.

While acknowledging staff unions as important stakeholders, the government insisted that they cannot assume the functions of the university’s statutory organs or substitute their interpretation of the law for decisions reached through established governmental and legislative procedures.

The government therefore appealed to members of the university community to avoid actions or statements capable of disrupting academic activities, particularly as the institution prepares for its forthcoming 16th Convocation and continues programmes in teaching, research, innovation and community service.

It added that the Adeleke administration remained open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other recognised stakeholders, but insisted that such engagement must be conducted within the boundaries of the law, mutual respect and the established governance structure of UNIOSUN.