The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilesa, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, has unveiled sweeping reforms and milestones achieved by the institution since its establishment in April 2023, highlighting significant growth in academic programmes, infrastructure, and student population.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Wednesday in Ilesa, Osun State, the Vice-Chancellor credited the progress to strategic leadership and support from the state government under Ademola Adeleke
.Professor Asaolu disclosed that the institution, which emerged from the upgrade of the former Osun State College of Education, inherited severe structural decay, low staff morale, and a student population of less than 1,000. However, within three years, the university has undergone a major transformation, now boasting over 15,000 students across multiple programmes.
According to him, the university currently runs 97 fully approved academic programmes, including professional courses such as Law, Nursing Science, and Medical Laboratory Science.
He added that 40 programmes have already secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission, while approval has also been granted for the commencement of a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery programme, pending final clearance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that academic expansion has been strengthened with the establishment of a Faculty of Technology, alongside the recovery of 15 acres of university land previously occupied by federal housing projects. The reclaimed land is expected to host key infrastructure for engineering programmes, positioning the institution for further growth.
In a move to enhance healthcare training and service delivery, the Osun State Government approved the upgrade of the State General Hospital, Ilesa, into a teaching hospital for the university.
Professor Asaolu noted that the facility would support clinical training for medical students while also improving access to quality healthcare for residents of Ijesaland.
Highlighting student-focused policies, the Vice-Chancellor announced that tuition fees have been waived for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture to boost enrolment and address workforce gaps
He also emphasized the university’s strong commitment to entrepreneurship, with students receiving practical training in diverse vocational and digital skills to enhance employability.
Despite the achievements, Professor Asaolu identified key challenges facing the institution, including inadequate student accommodation, unreliable power supply, and insufficient lecture facilities.
He, however, reaffirmed the universi toty’s commitment to sustaining its growth trajectory, describing UNILESA as an emerging centre of academic excellence poised to compete on both national and global stages.
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