Osun State Governor and Visitor to Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Senator Ademola Adeleke, has approved a two-year extension of the tenure of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye.

Adeleke announced the extension on Monday while inaugurating the reconstituted Governing Council of the university at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo.

The governor said the decision was taken in the interest of the institution, particularly to strengthen its governance structure, ensure continuity and prevent any leadership vacuum that could disrupt the administration and operations of the university.

According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, Adebooye initially declined the offer to extend his tenure but later accepted it.

Governor Ademola Adeleke also retained Professor Adewale Abiodun Oladipo as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, citing his experience and understanding of the university system.

The newly reconstituted council includes Alhaji Gbadegesin Lawal, Alhaji Lateef Olalekan Olayanju, Mr Akinola Franklin Omoniyi, Chief Funminiyi Awotide, Mr Orija Samuel Adebayo, Mrs Adewale Adetayo Bola and Mrs Olawale Oludayo Abolade.

Addressing the council members, Adeleke urged them to work harmoniously with the Vice-Chancellor and the university management, stressing that the governing council and management should not operate as competing centres of authority.

He charged the members to discharge their responsibilities with humility, integrity, courage and commitment to the public interest.

The governor described UNIOSUN as one of the enduring investments of the people of Osun State, noting that its academic and research activities contribute to the economic, social and intellectual development of the state and Nigeria.

Speaking after the inauguration, Professor Adebooye expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke, members of the State Executive Council and the newly inaugurated Governing Council.

He pledged that the university management would continue to work with the council and other stakeholders to sustain the institution’s growth and position UNIOSUN among leading universities in Africa and beyond.

The extension means Professor Adebooye will continue as Vice-Chancellor for another two years, with the governor’s decision aimed at maintaining stability and building on the university’s ongoing development.