The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday inaugurated eleven-man committee to review and assess the sources of funds for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the eventual take off of the University.
The committee will be chaired by Professor Ashaolu Taiwo of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Inaugurating the committee, Governor Adeleke who gave them six weeks to conclude the assignment tasked the committee to generally review the implementation guidelines among other mandates.
He said “Before and after the governorship election, I developed deep interest on the issue of University of Ilesa. My first conviction is that Ilesa indeed deserves a University considering the achievements of Ijesha people at home and abroad. I was however worried about the politicisation of the project.
“The last administration avoided due diligence and comprehensive project report. Instead, it opted for political action on a subject that demands thorough planning ,covering financial and academic forecast and provision.
“This administration is however committed to doing the right thing. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the interest of Ijeshaland is adequately protected and satisfied. My desire is to have in place a University of Ilesa that will be sustainable, a university that will be one of the best in the country.”
Governor Adeleke then inaugurated the adhoc committee with comprises of other members of Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, Prof. Lukman Jumoda, Prof. David Oladeji, Prof. Dayo Akintayo, Prof. (Mrs) Adefunke, Dr Mutalib Akanmu, and Hon Bamidele Salam.
Others are Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning P.ermanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.
The terms of reference of the committee include Review and assess funding requirements for both capital and recurrent expenditures for the eventual take off of the university; Review and assess the sources of funds for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the eventual take off of the University; Generally review the implementation guidelines proposed by the Implementation Committee;
Others are; engage all relevant stakeholders including the host community, trade Unions, Alumni association of the College,the student body, etc. with a view to harmonize the position for the way forward; Identify the gaps within the UNILESA Establishment Law and make appropriate recommendations towards its amendment to ensure adequate coverage of relevant interests for the eventual take off of the University; Propose modalities for phased implementation of the University such that faculties and courses of study are matched with funding requirement of each phase of the implementation; and Evaluate and draw appropriate policy recommendations towards the execution of the existing obligations, assets and liabilities of the College of Education, Ilesa with a view to removing all impediments for the eventual take off of the University.
