The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has withdrawn its earlier objection to the proposed extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, saying the move now has a clear legal basis under an amended law governing the institution.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, said the communiqué followed what it described as extensive consultations and an independent assessment of developments at the university, and that its initial opposition was based solely on concerns over the legal framework surrounding the extension.
It said its subsequent review of the matter established that the Osun State House of Assembly had amended the relevant provisions of the UNIOSUN law, giving the Osun State Governor discretion to extend or decline to extend the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure in accordance with the amended legislation.
According to the coalition, the legislative amendment has fundamentally changed the legal context of the controversy.
“The legal uncertainty that informed our initial objection has now been addressed,” the group said, stressing that the issue could no longer be regarded as an arbitrary extension outside the law.
It added that Prof. Adebooye’s current tenure remains valid and is expected to expire in January 2027, meaning the proposed continuity does not involve a situation where an expired tenure is being unlawfully prolonged.
The coalition maintained that the key consideration should be whether the action is supported by law, whether due legislative processes have been followed, whether there is a legitimate public-interest justification and whether the official concerned has demonstrated the competence and performance required to merit continuity.
Beyond the legal question, the CSOs commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for what they described as significant investment in UNIOSUN, saying the administration’s interventions have contributed to the expansion and transformation of the university.
The coalition highlighted the development of major infrastructure across the university’s campuses, including the Senate Building at the Osogbo Campus, Faculty of Computing, lecture theatres, a 650-capacity lecture theatre in Osogbo, a 1,000-seat theatre complex at Ifetedo and a 1,300-capacity lecture hall at Osogbo.
Other projects cited included the Science Laboratory Complex, Anatomy Complex, Sports Complex, student hostels, medical personnel apartments, ICT Resource Centre, internal roads, strategic bridges and other academic and administrative facilities.
The group also commended investments in laboratories, workshops, campus-wide Wi-Fi, ICT facilities and solar power infrastructure.
It said the networking of the university’s seven campuses for lecture delivery was particularly significant because it reduces the need for lecturers to travel constantly between campuses while improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The coalition said the developments were evidence of a broader investment in the institution’s physical and academic capacity.
It further noted the reported expansion of bachelor’s degree programmes from 66 in 2022 to 128, while student enrolment increased from about 14,600 to 42,348. It also cited an increase in PhD programmes from 39 to 209.
The group said UNIOSUN had also recorded progress in research and international collaborations, including more than 75 international research grants reportedly secured by the university.
It also cited the completion of the Alakija Medical Research Hospital, which it said was inherited at about 40 per cent completion.
Assessing the proposed tenure extension against what it described as the “public interest test”, the coalition said continuity could help consolidate the gains recorded at the university.
It cited infrastructure development, expansion of academic programmes, growth in student population, postgraduate expansion, improved technology and connectivity, research activities, international collaborations and relative industrial peace as reasons supporting continuity.
The coalition also credited Prof. Adebooye’s administration with restoring stability to the university, including the pardon of 17 interdicted members of staff.
It therefore resolved to withdraw its earlier objection and recognise the governor’s authority to exercise the discretion provided under the amended law.
The coalition, however, stressed that its endorsement was not a “blank cheque”, promising to continue monitoring developments at the institution and holding all stakeholders accountable.
It said its ultimate objective was to ensure the continued development, autonomy, stability, academic excellence and global competitiveness of UNIOSUN.
The CSOs also said their decision to reverse their earlier position was not a sign of inconsistency, but an indication of their willingness to review their conclusions when new legal and factual realities emerge.
“Our loyalty is to truth, the law, accountability and the public interest,” the coalition said.
It urged stakeholders to focus less on the controversy surrounding the tenure extension and more on protecting and consolidating the gains recorded at the university for the benefit of students, staff, Osun State and Nigeria.
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