Youth group urges ASUU, Osun govt to resolve UNIOSUN VC crisis
The Southern Youth Forum has called for constructive dialogue between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Osun State Government regarding the tenure extension of Osun State University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Clement Adebooye.
In a statement made on Thursday in Osogbo, National President Olajide Olakunle urged all parties involved in the university to prioritize peace and the welfare of students as they navigate the recent controversy. The call for dialogue comes in the wake of tensions surrounding Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to extend Adebooye’s tenure by two years.
The ASUU has opposed the extension, claiming it contravenes the university’s enabling legislation as well as the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the union. Following an emergency meeting on September 5 in Abuja, ASUU instructed its UNIOSUN branch to mobilize against what it described as a blatant disregard for legal protocols.
In response, the union established a visitation team tasked with engaging the university administration, governing council, and the state Visitor in an effort to resolve the dispute within two weeks.
The Osun State Government, however, has expressed its commitment to respecting the opinions of recognized staff unions while emphasizing that university administration operates under established legal guidelines. The government rejected allegations that the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure extension lacked proper procedure or was arbitrarily imposed.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi reiterated that Adebooye’s current tenure remains valid until January 2027. He clarified that the extension was not a retroactive decision, and that the Osun State House of Assembly has already amended the UNIOSUN Establishment Law to support this action.
Olakunle implored ASUU to acknowledge the authority and to refrain from actions that may deepen divisions. He stressed the importance of maintaining stability for the sake of the students, who are directly affected by any crisis.
He highlighted several recent achievements at the university, including the construction or renovation of 35 buildings and 28 laboratories, as well as the growth in the number of bachelor’s degree programs from 66 to 128 and an increase in the student population from around 14,600 to 42,348 in four years.
The Southern Youth Forum emphasized the need for all stakeholders, including ASUU, the state government, and university management, to engage in dialogue and adhere to the applicable legal framework to resolve the ongoing conflict.
