Adeleke inaugurates UNIOSUN projects, installs Victoria Samson as third chancellor

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday inaugurated several infrastructure projects at Osun State University (UNIOSUN) and installed the Chief Executive Officer of BOVAS Group, Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson, as the institution’s third Chancellor.

The governor commissioned the university’s sports complex, a three-in-one laboratory complex, a 500-capacity lecture theatre and a 750-capacity lecture theatre at the institution’s main campus in Osogbo.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony, Adeleke described Samson as a worthy successor to the immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, whom he commended for her contributions to the growth of the university.

He noted that Alakija served the institution with “uncommon grace, generosity and commitment,” highlighting her family’s donation of the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital to the university.

“Though her tenure has come to a successful conclusion, her remarkable legacy shall remain an integral part of the history of this university.

“Leadership is a relay, not a race. Every generation is called upon to build on the achievements of those who came before it.

“After careful consideration, one name stood out: Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson. She is an accomplished business executive, an exceptional administrator, a respected industrialist and an inspiring leader whose contributions to corporate Nigeria have earned widespread admiration,” Adeleke said.

The governor assured the new chancellor of his administration’s continued support, reaffirming its commitment to repositioning education as a cornerstone of sustainable development in Osun State.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Prof. Clement Adebooye, described Samson as well qualified for the role, citing her achievements as founder and Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas.

He said the office of the chancellor serves as the university’s highest-ranking official, chief ceremonial head and ambassador, adding that the occupant is expected to strengthen partnerships and attract philanthropic support for the institution.

“Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson perfectly fits into all these fundamental requirements of a chancellor through her extraordinary, pioneering track record as the founder and Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas,” Adebooye said.

The vice-chancellor also highlighted the institution’s growth since its establishment in 2007, noting that student enrolment has risen from 649 to about 42,000, while academic programmes have increased from 19 to 108.

He disclosed that the projects inaugurated by the governor were funded through a combination of the Osun State Government’s support and the university’s internally generated revenue, adding that other projects, including intra-campus road networks, are ongoing across various campuses.

In her acceptance speech, Samson pledged to strengthen infrastructure development, improve collaboration between the university and industry, and enhance staff welfare.

She said her administration would focus on providing facilities that support both students and academic staff while fostering stronger partnerships between the institution and the private sector.

“We must also collaborate to effectively improve the Webometrics ranking of this university. We must ensure all hands are on deck to bring UNIOSUN into the top 10 in Nigeria within the next five years. I strongly believe this is achievable, with God’s blessing,” she said.

The ceremony was attended by former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Prof. Wale Oladipo, and other dignitaries.

Samson succeeds Apostle Folorunso Alakija, who served as UNIOSUN Chancellor from 2016 to 2026. The late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, was the university’s pioneer chancellor following its establishment in 2007.