UNIOSUN Gets Victoria Samson as Chancellor; Adeleke Unveils Campus Projects

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday presided over two significant events at Osun State University (UNIOSUN): the inauguration of several new projects and the formal installation of Mrs. Victoria Samson, the Chief Executive Officer of Bovas Group, as the institution's third Chancellor.

During the ceremony held at the university's main campus in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke officially opened a new sports complex, a state-of-the-art three-in-one laboratory complex, a 500-capacity lecture theatre, and a 750-capacity lecture theatre. Speaking on the new appointment, Governor Adeleke lauded Mrs. Samson, describing her as a highly capable successor to the immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija.

The Governor acknowledged Apostle Alakija's exceptional tenure, noting her "uncommon grace, generosity and commitment" to the university. He highlighted her significant philanthropic contribution, which saw the Alakija Family fully fund the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital for the institution. "Though her tenure has come to a successful conclusion, her remarkable legacy shall remain an integral part of the history of this university," Adeleke stated.

Emphasizing the continuum of leadership, Governor Adeleke remarked, "Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, leadership is a relay, not a race. Every generation is called upon to build on the achievements of those who came before it." He further explained that Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson was chosen after careful deliberation, recognizing her as "an accomplished business executive, an exceptional administrator, a respected industrialist and an inspiring leader whose contributions to corporate Nigeria have earned widespread admiration." The Governor assured the new Chancellor of his administration's unwavering support, reiterating their commitment to making education the foundation for sustainable development in Osun State.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Clement Adebooye, expressed his gratitude to Governor Adeleke for Mrs. Samson's appointment. He affirmed that Mrs. Samson perfectly met all the essential criteria for a chancellor, citing her "extraordinary, pioneering track record as the founder and Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas." Professor Adebooye underscored the critical role of a university chancellor, who serves not only as the highest-ranking official and formal head but also as the chief ceremonial head and ambassador, leveraging their profile to attract philanthropic funding and strategic partnerships.

Professor Adebooye also provided an update on UNIOSUN's remarkable growth, stating that the university's student population has surged from 649 in 2007 to 42,000, while its academic programs have expanded from a mere 19 at inception to 108. He confirmed that the newly commissioned projects were entirely funded by the Osun State Government through the university's internally generated revenue, aimed at enhancing teaching and learning. The VC also mentioned ongoing infrastructure developments across other campuses, including intra-campus road networks.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Samson acknowledged the contributions of her predecessors. She outlined her primary objective, which is to collaborate with the university in sourcing, deploying, and developing infrastructure to benefit both students and faculty members. She articulated her belief that "when the faculty, whether academic or administrative, is well taken care of, they will also do the best for the student population as a whole." She added that with excellent infrastructure and scholars, the university would produce "world-class students in all aspects."

Mrs. Samson also pledged to strengthen the "town and gown" relationship through increased collaboration between the university and industry. A key ambition she shared was to significantly improve UNIOSUN's Webometrics ranking, aiming for the institution to enter the top 10 in Nigeria within the next five years, a goal she believes is "achievable, with God’s blessing."

Notable figures present at the investiture included former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, and the Chairman of the university's Governing Council, Professor Wale Oladipo. The late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, served as UNIOSUN's pioneer chancellor from its founding in 2007.