By Our Reporter
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has hit back at the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over criticism surrounding the extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN).
Adeleke reportedly defended his decision, insisting that ASUU could not dictate to him how to exercise the powers vested in his office.
The governor’s response came amid controversy over the extension of the tenure of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Clement Adebayo, with ASUU raising concerns over the decision.
Adeleke, however, maintained that the decision fell within his powers as governor and dismissed attempts to instruct him on how those powers should be exercised.
The governor’s position has further intensified the disagreement between the state government and the university’s academic community over the leadership of UNIOSUN.
The controversy centres on the legality and propriety of extending the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure and the extent of the governor’s authority in matters concerning the state-owned university.
The development has attracted attention within the university community, coming at a time when questions over university autonomy, governance and the relationship between state governments and academic unions remain contentious.
ASUU’s opposition to the tenure extension has now put the union and the Adeleke administration on opposing sides, with the governor standing by his decision.
The dispute is expected to generate further reactions from stakeholders in the university and education sectors as discussions continue over the future leadership of UNIOSUN.
