By Peace Erewunmi

There is growing controversy at Osun State University (UNIOSUN) following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to extend the tenure of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, by two years.

Governor Adeleke announced the extension while inaugurating the reconstituted Governing Council of the university.

According to the university, the governor said the decision was taken to ensure continuity in the institution’s administration and prevent a vacuum that could disrupt its operations. Professor Adebooye reportedly initially declined the extension but later accepted it.

However, the decision has generated concerns among members of the university community over provisions governing the tenure of a Vice-Chancellor.

Reports indicate that questions are being raised about whether the extension is consistent with the law establishing the university, particularly provisions relating to a five-year single term for the Vice-Chancellor.

Some members of staff have reportedly called for clarification on whether the relevant law has been amended to permit such an extension.

The development has now sparked debate over the powers of the Visitor to the university and the interpretation of the institution’s governing law.

While the state government and UNIOSUN management have presented the extension as a measure aimed at ensuring stability and continuity, concerns over its legality are likely to keep the decision under public scrutiny.

The controversy comes after Governor Adeleke also reconstituted the university’s Governing Council and retained Professor Adewale Abiodun Oladipo as its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman.

The Osun State Government is yet to publicly address the specific concerns surrounding the five-year single-term provision as the debate continues.