Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has tasked the newly-inaugurated adhoc committee set up on the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) to, within six weeks, produce a roadmap for a successful take off of the institution.
The governor gave the charge during the inauguration of the committee. He said Ijesaland is a territory of personal interest to his administration.
The 11-member adhoc committee is under the chairmanship of Professor Ashaolu Taiwo of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Other members included Professors Oyesoji Aremu, Lukman Jumoda, David Oladeji, Dayo Akintayo and (Mrs) Adefunke.
Also included are Dr Mutalib Akanmu, Honourable Bamidele Salam, Permanent Secretaries, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice.
The governor gave terms of reference of the committee to include: “Review and assess funding requirements for both capital and recurrent expenditures for the eventual take off of the university;
“Review and assess the sources of funds for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the eventual take off of the university;
“Generally review the implementation guidelines proposed by the Implementation Committee;
“Engage all relevant stakeholders, including the host community, trade unions, alumni association of the college, the student body, etc., with a view to harmonise the position for the way forward;
“Identify the gaps within the UNILESA Establishment Law and make appropriate recommendations towards its amendment to ensure adequate coverage of relevant interests for the eventual take off of the university;
“Propose modalities for phased implementation of the university such that faculties and courses of study are matched with funding requirement of each phase of the implementation; and
“Evaluate and draw appropriate policy recommendations towards the execution of the existing obligations, assets and liabilities of the College of Education, Ilesa with a view to removing all impediments for the eventual take off of the university.”
Governor Adeleke said he had developed a very deep personal interest in the issue of UNILESA.
“My first conviction is that Ilesa, indeed, deserves a university, considering the achievements of Ijesa people at home and abroad.
“I was however worried about the politicisation of the project. The last administration avoided due diligence and comprehensive project report.
“Instead, it opted for political action on a subject that demands thorough planning, covering financial and academic forecast and provision.
“This administration is however committed to doing the right thing. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the interest of Ijesaland is adequately protected and satisfied.
“My desire is to have in place a university of Ilesa that will be sustainable, a university that will be one of the best in the country,” he said.
The governor consequently urge the committee to take the assignment as a sacred responsibility. He said issue at hand touches the heart and soul of the people.
“You are therefore expected to bring your wealth of experience to bear on the discharge of this historical task.
“I have no doubt in my mind that you will submit a report that will provide a roadmap for a great University of Ilesa.
“You have six weeks to conclude this assignment,” he admonished the adhoc committee.
