Osun State criticizes extension of university vice-chancellor’s tenure
Governor of Nigeria’s Osun State Ademola Adeleke has announced a two-year extension of the tenure of Clement Adebuoye, vice-chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN). The decision has drawn criticism and raised questions about whether the university’s current establishment law permits it.
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, Adeleke announced the extension on August 31 during the inauguration of the university’s reconstituted governing council at the Government House in Osogbo. The governor explained the decision by the need to ensure continuity in the university’s operations and avoid a vacuum in its leadership.
The university also reported that Adebuoye initially declined the extension but agreed after further consultations. He assumed office in January 2022, meaning his original five-year term was due to end in January 2027.
Provision of the current law
The UNIOSUN establishment law provides that the vice-chancellor holds office for five years and is not eligible for reappointment. Critics of the decision stress that this provision must first be amended through legislation, rather than extending the term through an executive decision.
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Changes in the assembly
The Osun State House of Assembly has begun considering amendments to the university’s establishment law. Speaker Adewale Egbedun announced this at a plenary session after receiving a letter from Adeleke dated July 27.
The bill is intended, among other things, to create a legal mechanism for a two-year extension of the vice-chancellor’s tenure and also includes provisions on grants and scholarships for students. The document has passed its second reading. Supporters of the initiative in the assembly stated that the university had developed under Adebuoye’s leadership, and that extending his tenure would promote continuity, improve conditions for staff, and strengthen the academic environment.
Scholar Olatunji Abanikanda stated that the governor cannot unilaterally change the term set by the university’s establishment law. Media consultant Ismail Omipidan also questioned amending the law specifically to extend Adebuoye’s tenure and called on him to decline the extension.
