The Osun State House of Assembly has moved to alter the law establishing Osun State University, UNIOSUN, nearly two decades after the institution was founded, with the proposed changes including provisions affecting the tenure of the university’s Vice-Chancellor.

The development followed the presentation of a letter from Governor Ademola Adeleke requesting amendments to the university’s establishment law. The letter, dated July 27, 2026, was presented to lawmakers during plenary by the Speaker of the Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.

Presenting the policy thrust of the proposed legislation, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Sikiru Bajepade, said the amendment would provide a legal framework for extending the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor by two years.

The proposed law would also establish a framework for grants and scholarships for students of the institution, while strengthening public interest and support for the continued development of UNIOSUN.

The bill received support from several lawmakers during debate. Taofeek Olayiwola, Adewumi Adeyemi, Lawrence Adeoti, Kanmi Ajibola and Adekunle Oladimeji backed the proposed extension, arguing that continuity in the university’s leadership could help sustain developments recorded under the current administration.

The lawmakers pointed to what they described as significant progress at the university during the Vice-Chancellor’s five-year tenure, saying an extension could contribute to institutional stability, improved staff welfare and greater productivity.

They also argued that retaining the Vice-Chancellor for an additional period could provide continuity and help strengthen the academic environment before another person takes over the leadership of the institution.

Speaker Egbedun also supported the position of the lawmakers, saying the proposed extension could bring benefits to both the university and the state.

The bill subsequently passed its second reading, after it was moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Adekunle Oladimeji, and seconded by Lawrence Adeoti.

The move comes amid debate surrounding the proposed extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure. Reports on the existing UNIOSUN Establishment Law indicate that the law provides for a five-year tenure for the Vice-Chancellor without reappointment, making the proposed amendment significant to the university’s leadership structure.

The proposed amendment therefore seeks to create the legislative framework necessary for the changes being considered by the state government and the Assembly.

Earlier during the sitting, the Speaker welcomed lawmakers back to legislative duties following the conclusion of the 2026 Osun governorship election and urged them to recommit themselves to effective representation, transparency and responsive leadership.

Another piece of legislation, the Osun State Debt Management Office Establishment Amendment Bill 2026, also passed its first reading during the sitting.

The UNIOSUN amendment will now proceed through the remaining legislative stages before it can become law. Its eventual passage is expected to determine the legal framework governing the proposed changes to the university’s administration and student support system.

For students and staff of UNIOSUN, the development could have significant implications, particularly regarding leadership continuity, welfare, academic administration and access to grants and scholarships.

The Assembly’s action has consequently placed the proposed amendment at the centre of attention as Osun State moves to reshape parts of the legal framework governing its state-owned university.