ASUU Rejects UNIOSUN VC Tenure Extension, Faults Adeleke's 'Illegal' Two-Year Offer

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Osun State University (UNIOSUN) chapter, has firmly rejected the two-year tenure extension granted to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, by Governor Ademola Adeleke. The union has described the governor’s action as a violation of the university’s establishment law, which it argues makes no provision for extending the Vice-Chancellor's tenure.

The controversy erupted following Governor Adeleke’s announcement on Monday during the inauguration of the reconstituted Governing Council of UNIOSUN in Osogbo. The governor said the decision was taken in the interest of the university, aiming to strengthen its governance structure, ensure continuity, and prevent a leadership vacuum that could disrupt the institution’s administration. Adeleke also disclosed that Adebooye initially declined the offer before eventually accepting the additional two years, describing UNIOSUN as “one of the enduring investments of the people of Osun State.”

However, the UNIOSUN ASUU Chairman, Dr Wande Olaosebikan, said the union had critically examined the relevant provisions of the law and found that tenure extension was specifically provided for the Registrar, Bursar and Librarian, but not the Vice-Chancellor. Section 3(2) of the Osun State University Establishment Law, 2006, provides that the Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of five years and shall not be eligible for reappointment. Olaosebikan emphasized, “The UNIOSUN Establishment Law gives room for extension of one year to the University’s Librarian, the Bursar and the Registrar. But that privilege excludes the Vice-Chancellor.”

The union chairman said the matter was discussed at an ASUU congress on Tuesday, where members reviewed the laws guiding the administration and governance of the university. He stressed that ASUU would not immediately take action based solely on media reports, adding that the union is awaiting confirmation on whether Prof. Adebooye has formally accepted the extension. Olaosebikan noted, “We, as a union of intellectuals, heard the news. After much persuasion, we were led to believe that it was just an offer and that the direct beneficiary of the offer has not actually accepted it.” He added that Prof. Adebooye, being a knowledgeable academic, should be aware of the appropriate legal provisions, stressing that the union’s response would be guided by the law and the actions of the parties involved.

The development subsequently received legislative attention, with the Osun State House of Assembly moving to amend the UNIOSUN Establishment Law to provide a legal framework for the two-year extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure. The Assembly passed the Osun State University Establishment Amendment Bill 2026 during plenary on Thursday, following a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Adekunle Emmanuel, and seconded by Sanni Areoye. The proposed amendment was presented to the House following a letter from Governor Adeleke dated July 27, 2026, seeking changes to the law establishing the university. The amendment bill effectively approved the governor’s action and provided for the extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.

Presenting the policy thrust of the amendment bill, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Sikiru Bajepade, said the legislation was designed to permit the extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University by two years. The lawmakers said the university had recorded significant development during the five-year tenure of its Vice-Chancellor, arguing that the extension would sustain the progress, further improve staff welfare, institutional stability and productivity while strengthening the academic environment.

The decision has triggered anger among some members of the university community, who argue that it conflicts with the Osun State University (Establishment) Law, 2006. Sources within the institution told SaharaReporters that the governor’s decision amounted to an abuse of the law establishing the university. A former UNIOSUN Alumni executive criticised the governor’s decision, saying it was creating tension within the university’s alumni body. A source within UNIOSUN questioned why the process of selecting a substantive Vice-Chancellor was not allowed to proceed in line with the law, noting that the university ought to have started the process of selecting a new Vice-Chancellor ahead of the expiration of Adebooye’s tenure in January 2027.

Meanwhile, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), UNIOSUN branch, has adopted a more cautious approach. Chairman Comrade John Adebayo said, “The university is governed by law, edicts and acts, so we are studying the situation. Now that the House of Assembly has completed the amendment, we are looking at it and studying the situation.” He added, “We are still appraising the situation. We will sit, deliberate, and we will let the whole world know our decision and our stand.”

As the union awaits formal confirmation from the Vice-Chancellor, the stage is set for a potential confrontation between the academic staff and the state government over what ASUU considers a fundamental breach of the university's governing laws.