Adeleke seeks united support for new UNIOSUN Chancellor, reaffirms commitment to education
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on the Governing Council, Senate, management, staff, students, and alumni of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) to give their full cooperation and support to the institution’s newly appointed Chancellor, Mrs. Victoria Samson.
The Governor made the call on Monday during the official investiture of the university’s third Chancellor and the commissioning of landmark projects across the institution.
Speaking at the ceremony in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke described Mrs. Samson as an accomplished and highly respected Nigerian whose life reflects integrity, discipline, diligence, and purposeful leadership. He expressed confidence in her ability to provide visionary leadership that would further strengthen the university’s reputation.
The governor urged the new Chancellor to work closely with the university’s Governing Council, led by Professor Wale Oladipo, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Adebooye, in advancing the institution’s academic excellence and positioning it among Nigeria’s leading universities.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making education the foundation of sustainable development in Osun State. He highlighted several interventions by his government, including the construction of internal roads at the Ikire campus and the ongoing development of academic infrastructure across other campuses to bring the university closer to global standards.
The governor also paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, for her decade of dedicated service to the institution. He praised her uncommon generosity, steadfast commitment, and invaluable contributions to the growth of UNIOSUN and the advancement of education.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Victoria Samson expressed gratitude to Governor Adeleke for the confidence reposed in her through the appointment. She described the position as both an honour and a divine call to serve God and humanity with the resources and experience at her disposal.
She stated that her priority would be to mobilise resources, strengthen infrastructure, and create a more conducive learning and teaching environment for both students and members of staff. According to her, collaborative efforts among stakeholders would be essential in achieving the university’s development goals.
Mrs. Samson further challenged the university community to work collectively towards improving UNIOSUN’s national standing. She expressed optimism that, with sustained commitment and strategic partnerships, the institution could rank among the top 10 universities in Nigeria within the next five years.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the office of Chancellor as one reserved for individuals of proven integrity and exceptional leadership qualities.
He commended Governor Adeleke for implementing the new wage structure in line with the Federal Government’s policy and for completing and commissioning major projects, including a sports complex, science laboratory complex, Governor Ademola Adeleke Lecture Theatre, and a 500-seat lecture hall.
He pledged the university’s continued commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth.