The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday, appointed a committee that would review the guidelines proposed by the Implementation Committee of the University of Ilesa put in place by the immediate past administration.
Speaking during the unveiling of the committee held in Osogbo, Adeleke said the ultimate goal of the effort was to ensure that the interest of Ijeshaland was adequately protected and satisfied.
The governor who alleged the project was being politicised, said 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.”
“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 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,” Adeleke said.
According to him, terms of reference of the committee would include, “Review and assess funding requirements for both capital and recurrent expenditures for the eventual take-off of the university; general review of the implementation guidelines proposed by the Implementation Committee; and meeting of all relevant stakeholders including the host community, trade unions, alumni association of the college, and the student body, with a view to harmonising the position for the way forward,” among others.
The 11-man committee headed by Prof. Taiwo Ashaolu of Obafemi Awolowo
Other members of the committee includes.
Prof. Oyesoji Aremu
Prof. Lukman Jumoda
Prof. David Oladeji
Prof. Dayo Akintayo
Prof. (Mrs) Adefunke
Dr Mutalib Akanmu
Hon Bamidele Salam
P.ermanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
P.ermanent Secretary, Ministry of Education
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice
