The Osun State Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have disagreed over the two-year extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Prof. Clement Odunayo Adebooye.
The disagreement followed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to extend Adebooye’s tenure, a move that has attracted opposition from ASUU over its interpretation of the laws governing the university.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government urged members of the UNIOSUN community to avoid actions or statements capable of creating tension and disrupting academic activities.
The government maintained that the extension was not an arbitrary decision, stressing that Adebooye’s current tenure remains valid until January 2027.
According to the government, Adeleke, in his capacity as Visitor to the university, acted within his statutory responsibilities, while the Osun State House of Assembly subsequently amended the university’s establishment law to provide a legal framework for the two-year extension.
The development followed an earlier position by ASUU, which faulted the extension and argued that the existing UNIOSUN Establishment Law did not provide for an extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.
ASUU’s National Executive Council, at its emergency meeting in Abuja on September 5, directed the UNIOSUN branch to mobilise against what it described as a violation of the Universities Miscellaneous Act and the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
The union also resolved to send a visitation team to Osogbo within two weeks to engage the university management, Governing Council and Governor Adeleke, with a view to resolving the dispute.
However, the Osun Government rejected ASUU’s position, arguing that the union has no statutory authority to override the responsibilities vested in the Visitor, Governing Council or State House of Assembly.
The government said ASUU remains an important stakeholder in the university system but cannot substitute its interpretation of the law for the decisions of legally constituted authorities.
It therefore appealed to staff, students and other members of the university community to remain calm and allow the institution to concentrate on its core responsibilities of teaching, research, innovation and community service.
The controversy has continued to raise questions over the legal basis and timing of the tenure extension, particularly because the original UNIOSUN Establishment Law provided for a five-year, non-renewable term for the Vice-Chancellor. Adebooye assumed office in January 2022.
ALSO READ:Two feared dead as Osun motor park dispute turns violent
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
