Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has triggered a wave of anger and controversy across the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) community after approving a two-year extension for the institution's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, whose five-year tenure is due to expire in January 2027. The decision, announced on Monday, September 1, 2026, during the inauguration of a reconstituted Governing Council, has been met with fierce opposition from staff, alumni, and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), who argue that the move is a direct violation of the university's establishment law.
The Osun State University (Establishment) Law, 2006, explicitly states in its First Schedule that the Vice-Chancellor "shall hold office for a term of five years, and shall not be eligible for re-appointment". Critics point out that the law contains no provision for an extension of tenure under any circumstance. Instead, it mandates a detailed process for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor involving advertisement, a search team, and a Joint Council/Senate Selection Board. Sources within the university have told SaharaReporters that the governor's decision amounts to an "abuse of the law establishing the university". A former UNIOSUN Alumni executive also criticised the decision, stating that it is creating tension within the alumni body and that "any action that ought to be taken should be taken in cognizance of the law but this is not the case".
However, Governor Adeleke has defended his action, stating that the extension was necessary to prevent an "administrative vacuum" and to ensure stability and continuity in the university's management. According to the university's Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the Vice-Chancellor initially declined the offer but later accepted the extension. Adeleke also retained Professor Adewale Oladipo as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, citing his experience and familiarity with the university system. The governor charged the newly inaugurated council members to work harmoniously with the Vice-Chancellor and to operate within the provisions of the law.
Despite the governor's justification, the decision has sparked widespread condemnation. A senior lecturer at the university described the extension as "illegal and an affront to due process," arguing that "the law is unambiguous and the only option available to the Visitor after five years is to commence the process for a new appointment, not to elongate the tenure of the incumbent". Another staff member faulted the manner in which the decision was taken, alleging that if there had been any amendment to the law, it was done "without the knowledge of the university community". There is also a growing suspicion that the extension is politically motivated, with some staff fearing that the current two-year extension may be followed by another to align the VC's tenure with the remaining period of the governor's administration.
Sources within the government have hinted that the House of Assembly may be asked to quickly amend the UNIOSUN Establishment Law to accommodate the governor's announcement. However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has scheduled a congress to discuss the issue, with several members expressing opposition to the development, describing it as "illegality". The controversy has not only exposed a deep rift between the executive and the university community but has also raised fundamental questions about the sanctity of the rule of law and the autonomy of academic institutions in Nigeria. As one UNIOSUN staff member put it, "They are using the extension as compensation for loyalty but that's not what the law says".
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