THE NEWS YOU NEED
Governor Ademola Adeleke if Osun State has on Tuesday inaugurated eleven-man committee chair by Professor Ashaolu Taiwo of the Obafemi Awolowo University to review and assess the sources of funds for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the eventual take off of the University;
The governor, while inaugurating them also tasked the committee to generally review the implementation guidelines among other tasks.
Read the full speech of the governor below unedited;
TEXT OF AN ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OSUN STATE, SENATOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE ADHOC COMMITTEE FOR UNIVERSITY OF ILESA TODAY JANUARY 10, 2023
PROTOCOL
The Secretary to the State Government,
The Chief of Staff,
The Head of Service,
Chairman and members of the Adhoc Committee
Leaders in attendance,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my pleasure to convey this gathering to address a matter that is of utmost interest to our administration. Ijeshaland is a territory of interest to personal interest to our government. Our administration is therefore committed to satisfying the needs and aspirations of the good people of Ilesa and environs.
Before and after the governorship election, I developed deep interest on the issue of University of Ilesa. My first conviction is that Ilesa indeed deserves a University considering the achievements of Ijesha 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 Ijeshaland 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.
It is to achieve the above that I today set up this adhoc committee under the chairmanship of (1) Prof. Ashaolu Taiwo of the Obafemi Awolowo University.
Other members of the committee includes
2. Prof. Oyesoji Aremu
3. Prof. Lukman Jumoda
4. Prof. David Oladeji
5. Prof. Dayo Akintayo
6. Prof. (Mrs) Adefunke
7. Dr Mutalib Akanmu
8. Hon Bamidele Salam
9. P.ermanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
10. P.ermanent Secretary, Ministry of Education
11. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice
The terms of reference of the committee are as follows:
1. Review and assess funding requirements for both capital and recurrent expenditures for the eventual take off of the university;
2. Review and assess the sources of funds for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the eventual take off of the University;
3. Generally review the implementation guidelines proposed by the Implementation Committee;
4. Engage all relevant stakeholders including the host community, trade Unions, Alumni association of the College,the student body, etc. with a view to harmonize the position for the way forward;
5. 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;
6. 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
7. 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.
I consequently urge this committee to take this assignment as a sacred responsibility. This issue at hand touches the heart and soul of our 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 road map for a great University of Ilesa.
You have six weeks to conclude this assignment.
On this note, I hereby inaugurate this adhoc committee.
Thanks for listening.
HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke,
Executive Governor of Osun State.