The management and Staff of the Ilesa University, Ilesa, Osun state on Thursday disclosed that it inherited huge financial liabilities totalling about N400 million from the authorities of the state College of Education, Ilesa.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Taiwo Asaolu who made this known on the Occasion of the familiarization visit of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Hon. Gbenga Onigbogi to the university, explained that “the large inherited sum was in the form of unpaid bank loan; unpaid internal allowances (Le. peculiar and hazard allowances) to staff for about 56 months, running into about N400m; debt to illegal miners and so many other startling debts”.
He added also that, other inherited items are, many abandoned vehicles, abandoned equipment, dilapidated buildings and abandoned toilet facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor who however assured that, despite this, the university management team has forged ahead to make the institution a classical one, listed some of their achievements in this short period of time as: “right placement of both the academic and non-teaching Staff of the erstwhile College into the University staff structure.”
” Organised a strategic re-orientation training programme for the Management team, Ag. Deans, and Ag Heads of Departments to help them understand and fit into the workings of a university system.
Selected academic staff were also trained on the use of teaching and learning software recently installed across all Faculties, Departments and the University Library, Training on the NUC CC-MAS. (ii) Cleaning up of the University environment and beautification of the landscape with ornamental plants.”
“Facelifting of many buildings in the University. (v) Senate and Management developed the University’s academic programmes with Five (5) Faculties, Twenty-Three (23) Departments and Thirty-Two (32) programmes.”
” Resource Assessment for the 32 programmes by a high-powered team from the National Universities Commission (NUC) led by the NUC Executive Secretary was successfully held from Sunday 6 to Tuesday 8 August 2023. We are awaiting the results of the resource verification exercise from the Commission.”
“Upon assumption of offices, Principal Officers met the erstwhile College in a very deplorable condition. We met an unkempt environment; poorly motivated staff; huge financial liabilities in the form of unpaid bank loans; unpaid internal allowances (Le. peculiar and hazard allowances) to staff for about 56 months, running into about N400m; debt to illegal miners and so many other startling debts. Added to this are many abandoned vehicles, abandoned equipment, dilapidated buildings and abandoned toilet facilities.”
“However, since Mr Governor has given us a task that must be delivered, there is no room for complaints. Therefore, within the limit of available resources, we immediately embarked on the process of upgrading the facilities in the University.
I am pleased to report that some of the buildings have been renovated and upgraded, which we were able to confidently present to the NUC Resource Verification team from Abuja.”
” The University environment is also gradually wearing a good look now. Our effort will be better appreciated with a documentary and pictorial evidence of how we met some of the structures and the environment and the current situation.”
“Let me also mention that our takeoff was not quite smooth as it was marred with some challenges. Challenges such as lack of official vehicles for Principal Officers and key staff of the University, lack of staff needed for some essential services, and appeals of contract. staff who have been in the service of the erstwhile College of Education for several years for their appointments to be confirmed, issue of outstanding unpaid peculiar allowances to staff, and funding of the resource verification exercise.”
“We therefore had to quickly approach the State Government and I am pleased to report that positive actions have been taken by Government on some of the matters presented. We have also been assured that actions are being taken on the rest. I want to appreciate the Chairman for his intervention that really led to the results we got on some of our requests. Your appointment as a matter of fact came at the most appropriate time.”
“Pro-Chancellor Sir, there are some urgent issues that need to be addressed in order to consolidate the foundation being laid for the University. Sir, with your coming on board, it is our hope that swift attention shall be given to these issues very soon, namely: (a) Review of the University Establishment Law”.
“The issue of bad road network within the University. (c) The Issue of porous borders and its attendant negative impacts such as encroachment of our land, incessant thefts, herdsmen activities, massive illegal gold mining activities and degradation of the University environment.”
” Sustainable funding for the University. (e) Manpower needs through the appointment of qualified staff Professors, Senior Lecturers, Administrative Staff, Medical Staff, Professional Librarians for the University Library and Law Librarians, Security personnel, Programmes, Public Relations Officers, Legal Officers, Medical Doctors, Nursing and renovation/Upgrading of critical facilities amongst others.
While commending Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for making the right decision by appointing a man of high pedigree, a professional accountant and, an accomplished Politician as the first Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, he said,” It is our sincere prayer that your tenure will witness unprecedented growth and development in the University.”
In his own remark at the programme, the Council Chairman said, ” I appreciate and commend the great work that has been done since the University took off. I commend the Vice Chancellor and his team for their hard work and commitment.”
“The Visitor to the University and the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke has given us a great task, which is to build a first-class University that will be a pride for the entire citizenry of the State. This is a task that must be painstakingly accomplished within the nearest possible time”.
“I enjoin all staff to cooperate with the Governing Council under my leadership and the Management of the University under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor. Let us collectively build the University of Ilesa, Osun State and by so doing, our names shall definitely be boldly written in the history of the University as the pioneer Governing Council, Management and Staff.”
“I appreciate the warm and overwhelming reception accorded me today on my first visit to the University. I thank all my friends, political associates, family members who are here today to felicitate with me. May God bless you abundantly.”
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