The Osun State government has expressed disagreement with the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) regarding the tenure extension of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Professor Clement Odunayo Adebooye. According to the government, COPSUN's position is based on an incomplete understanding of the constitutional and legislative framework governing UNIOSUN. The government acknowledged COPSUN's role in promoting sound governance in state-owned universities but emphasized that the committee's stance appears to be misinformed.
The controversy surrounding Adebooye's tenure extension began after Governor Ademola Adeleke's decision to extend his tenure, which was recently ratified by the Osun State House of Assembly following the passage of an Amendment Bill establishing the institution. The governor attributed the VC's tenure elongation to his effective leadership of the university, citing academic exploits and infrastructural developments under Adebooye's management. The governor's decision was made in accordance with the Osun State University Establishment Law, 2006, and the 1999 Constitution.
The Osun State government, through its Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, stated that UNIOSUN was established by the Osun State House of Assembly, and the 1999 Constitution places university education on the Concurrent Legislative List. This, the government emphasized, recognizes the power of State Houses of Assembly to establish institutions for university, technological, and professional education. The government cautioned against conflating federal regulatory functions with the statutory governance of a state-owned university.
The government also addressed COPSUN's reliance on the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act, 2012, stating that the critical legal question is whether the relevant provisions of the federal law apply to UNIOSUN in a manner capable of overriding the University's enabling law. The government maintained that the constitutional principle that a valid federal law prevails over an inconsistent state law must first be established. Furthermore, the government highlighted the Osun State House of Assembly's consideration and passage of the Osun State University Establishment Amendment Bill, 2026.
According to the government, the development made it inaccurate to portray the matter as a unilateral executive alteration of the University's governing law. The government stressed that while the Visitor could not amend legislation by executive declaration, neither could a professional body or staff union legislate through a public statement. The government emphasized that the relevant issue is whether the legislative process undertaken by the State House of Assembly and the subsequent statutory arrangements are constitutionally and legally valid.
The statement further clarified that Adebooye's existing tenure runs until January 2027, while the proposed additional tenure is to commence on January 4, 2027. The government stressed that the arrangement does not retrospectively alter an already completed tenure. The clarification aims to address concerns and provide transparency regarding the VC's tenure extension.
The Osun State government's position on the matter highlights the complexities of university governance in Nigeria, particularly with regards to state-owned institutions. The government's stance underscores the need for a clear understanding of the constitutional and legislative framework governing university education in the country. The VC's tenure extension has significant implications for the university's leadership and academic trajectory.
Key points
- The Osun State government disputes COPSUN's position on UNIOSUN VC's tenure extension, citing lack of constitutional understanding and legal framework.
- The government emphasizes that UNIOSUN was established by the Osun State House of Assembly, and the 1999 Constitution recognizes the power of State Houses of Assembly to establish institutions for university education.
- The VC's existing tenure runs until January 2027, with the proposed additional tenure commencing on January 4, 2027.
