Adeleke Approves New Salary Package for UNILESA Lecturers

University of Ilesa (UNILESA)

Adeleke Approves New Salary Package for UNILESA Lecturers

OSOGBO, OSUN STATE – Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the immediate implementation of a reviewed remuneration package for academic staff of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) . The new pay structure mirrors the package earlier approved for Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN) , representing a significant step in standardising compensation across state-owned universities in Osun and bringing UNILESA academics to par with their counterparts at the more established institution.

The approval was conveyed to the UNILESA Vice-Chancellor in a letter dated May 29, 2026, with reference number NEBS/UNILESA/VOL.2/033, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr M.A.K. Jimoh . The letter formally communicated the governor’s directive for immediate implementation of the reviewed pay structure. According to the state government, the review is aimed at improving staff welfare and motivation, reducing brain drain, and positioning the university to attract top-tier, world-class academics . The government’s proactive approach to staff welfare is seen as a strategic move to retain experienced lecturers and recruit new talent in an increasingly competitive academic environment.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued by the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Corporate Services and Information Unit, Babatunde Fanawopo, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), commended the governor for his continued commitment to education and staff welfare . Professor Asaolu assured that the gesture would further enhance dedication to teaching, research and community service as the university pursues its vision of becoming a centre of academic excellence . He noted that improved remuneration directly correlates with staff productivity and institutional output, particularly in research publications and student mentorship.

READ ALSO:

This latest salary approval follows a series of significant interventions by the Adeleke administration at the University of Ilesa, which was established in April 2023 following the upgrade of the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa . In April 2026, the Osun State Government approved the payment of over N3 billion in outstanding allowances and related entitlements owed to staff . Professor Asaolu disclosed during the institution’s third anniversary celebration in Ilesa that the government also approved the conversion of no fewer than 300 temporary staff to permanent appointments . According to the Vice-Chancellor, the intervention helped address earlier labour-related concerns within the institution, particularly those inherited from the former college . Retired staff and next-of-kin of deceased workers also benefited from the payments, bringing closure to long-standing financial obligations.

Professor Asaolu noted that the university had recorded remarkable transformation across its academic, infrastructural, and administrative sectors within three years of its establishment . He described the condition inherited at inception as challenging, marked by dilapidated infrastructure, obsolete facilities, and demoralised staff, with a student population of fewer than 1,000 . “The situation posed serious challenges to our take-off, but today, we have a good story to tell,” the Vice-Chancellor stated during a press briefing . Student enrolment has since grown from fewer than 1,000 at inception to over 15,000 across degree, JUPEB, and pre-degree programmes , which Professor Asaolu described as a reflection of public confidence in the university’s academic offerings.

The university currently runs 97 academic programmes, all approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) , covering disciplines such as Law, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Chinese Studies, and Special Education . Forty of these programmes have already secured full accreditation status, which the Vice-Chancellor described as remarkable for a relatively young institution . The university has also received approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, pending final clearance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) . “This positions us strategically in medical education and healthcare delivery,” Professor Asaolu said .

As part of its expansion efforts, the university has established a Faculty of Technology with programmes in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechatronics Engineering . The institution also reclaimed 15 acres of land previously occupied by housing units built by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and acquired 24 units on the site to serve as the faculty’s base . The Vice-Chancellor also announced the establishment of the University of Ilesa Teaching Hospital following the upgrade of the State General Hospital, Ilesa, which is being upgraded to support clinical training and improve healthcare delivery in Ijesaland and surrounding areas .

In a bid to address manpower gaps, the university has introduced tuition-free education for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture . Additionally, children and wards of staff enjoy a 50 per cent tuition discount as part of the institution’s commitment to staff welfare . The institution has also strengthened entrepreneurship training, equipping students with practical skills in areas such as fashion design, solar installation, agribusiness, and digital content creation . “These initiatives ensure our graduates are job creators, not just job seekers,” Professor Asaolu said . The state government also reconstructed the university’s road network, improving accessibility and campus aesthetics .

Despite progress made, the Vice-Chancellor identified key challenges, including inadequate hostel accommodation, unstable power supply, and the need for more lecture halls and laboratories, while assuring that the university was addressing these issues as part of its long-term development plan . Professor Asaolu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, infrastructure development, staff welfare, and community engagement, expressing appreciation to the Governing Council, staff, students, donors, and the Ijesa community for their support . “As we consolidate these gains, we remain committed to building a world-class institution that will stand the test of time,” he said .