Osun State Governor faces criticism over UNIOSUN VC tenure extension

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is facing criticism following his decision to extend the tenure of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Vice-Chancellor Clement Adebooye by two years. The Governor announced the extension during the inauguration of the university’s reconstituted Governing Council, citing the need for continuity and the prevention of a leadership vacuum.

The decision has drawn condemnation from the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance (CCSOGG). The group described the move as illegal and a threat to institutional governance, arguing that the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure cannot be altered through verbal proclamation or personal preference outside of established legal frameworks.

Under the current UNIOSUN establishment law, the Vice-Chancellor holds office for a five-year term and is not eligible for re-appointment. To address the legal discrepancy, the Osun State House of Assembly has commenced moves to amend the university’s establishment law. The proposed amendment seeks to provide a legal framework for the tenure extension and includes provisions for student grants and scholarships.