ASUU Condemns Adeleke’s Extension of UNIOSUN VC’s Tenure

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has again criticised the tenure extension granted by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to the Vice-Chancellor of the Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Professor Clement Adebooye.

 

ASUU described the decision as a bad precedent that could encourage other state governors to interfere with the tenure of vice-chancellors.

 

Governor Adeleke had announced the two-year extension on August 31, 2026, during the inauguration of the reconstituted Governing Council of UNIOSUN.

 

Following the announcement, the Osun State House of Assembly amended the UNIOSUN Establishment Law to accommodate the extension, allowing Adebooye, who was appointed in 2022, to remain in office until January 2029.

 

However, in a statement signed by its President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, after its National Executive Committee meeting, ASUU expressed disappointment with both Adeleke and Adebooye over the development.

 

The union said the UNIOSUN Law, which is based on the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act, 2012, provides for a single five-year tenure for vice-chancellors without provision for extension.

 

“By importing a two-year extension into the UNIOSUN Law, through a hurriedly packaged amendment to serve his purpose, the State Governor has set a bad precedent that could undo the gains of the Universities Miscellaneous Act in Nigeria,” ASUU said.

 

According to the union, the principal legislation was introduced to end rancour, bitterness and administrative witch-hunts associated with tenure renewals for vice-chancellors in Nigerian universities.

 

ASUU warned that the extension could reignite such an atmosphere at UNIOSUN and encourage sycophancy and division within the university.

 

The union also faulted Adebooye for accepting the extension and urged him to reconsider the decision before his initial five-year tenure expires in January 2027.

 

“His decision to accept the tenure elongation, following the so-called consultation, is unacceptable. It negates our union’s principles and core values,” the statement read.

 

ASUU further criticised Adeleke over the amendment of the law, describing the process as hurried and “antithetical to democratic norms.”

 

The union said the development showed disrespect for the rule of law and could make Osun a bad example for other governors who might prioritise political interests over legal and ethical standards.

 

“This is not good enough for a governor whose recent re-election against all odds drew a nationwide applause,” ASUU stated.

 

The union vowed to challenge the tenure extension if dialogue fails, stressing the need to protect UNIOSUN from what it described as disruptive interference and political intrigues.

 

“But, should reasons fail to prevail, ASUU shall not hesitate to further challenge the absurdity at UNIOSUN before it gains a notorious national currency,” the union said.