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Highly placed individual behind plot to scuttle take off of University of Ilesa – Investigation

Published

3 years ago

February 17, 2023

The move to scuttle the take-off of academic and administrative activities of the newly approved University of Ilesa, Osun State has been uncovered, following investigation which revealed the alleged involvement of some suspected highly placed individual behind the plot.

The Osun State Government chose to transform Osun State College of Education, (OSCOED), Ilesa into University of Ilesa, as part of its serious effort to provide a secure future for Education in Osun State.

The physical manpower development of the university showed that the majority of the University’s launch programs will originate from Osun State College of Education, (OSCOED), a reputable institution with schools offering National Certificate of Education (NCE) certificate programs in a variety of fields, which is predicted that the University will launch with nearly adequate facilities.

In additional investigation conducted by the correspondent, the facilities include laboratory workshops, classrooms, lecture theaters, a central administrative block, sporting facilities, among others as the college, is a full-fledge tertiary school with such infrastructure.

The findings also showed that area surrounding the campus has adequate power supply and other basic infrastructure, while the roads and other facilities are found to be excellent.

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The investigation confirmed that both the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife and the Osun State University within the same state with the proposed University of Ilesa are already well-established postsecondary institutions that will be of great assistance to the University.

The findings by our correspondent noted that the College of Education, Ilesa throughout its history has earned acclaim as a world-class college that stands shoulder to shoulder with the most prestigious colleges of Education across the globe.

The physical manpower development of the university as contained in a committee report showed that the country’s educational strategy has shifted to prioritize higher education, leading to skyrocketing demand for higher education and a diminishing reputation, hence, the importance to transform the College of Education into a University to better serve the needs of the state and the country as a whole as they grow and develop.

The planned University is envisioned as a way to broaden participation in higher education by opening doors to students both now and in the future who are interested in enrolling in a university in Nigeria or studying abroad, which will be a traditional institution focused on the advancement of scientific knowledge and technological innovation with the goal of producing highly skilled graduates with solid business acumen who are in a prime position to propel human progress in every sphere of endeavour.

The committee submitted that the University will also support innovative research that is tailored to meet the requirements of Osun State and the country as a whole, with an emphasis on how academic findings may be put into practice to address pressing societal issues.

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The committee emphasised that the masterplan is to facilitate the campus’s evolution into University of Ilesa and further the institution’s growth and development over the next fifteen years, considered as comprehensive, and dynamic development plan.

The master plan is a living document that can serve as a solid foundation for preventing chaotic and disorderly construction. It also serves as a long-term roadmap for coordinating University Development’s land-use and activity decisions.

The latest findings on the take-off of the university is now being threatened following a recent worrisome letter ordered by Governor Ademola Adeleke, asking the university council and other organs to put on hold any action towards the implementation of the commencement of both academic and administrative activities.

The letter was addressed to the Chairman/Pro Chancellor of the University, which emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, dated January 25, 2023 and signed by Hon. Teslim Igbalaye.

“I present to you the very warm compliment of the Government and people of Osun State. As you are kindly aware, the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke had already inaugurated an Adhoc Committee on the University,” the letter reads

It added: “Consequently, all activities of the Council and other organs of the new university are to be put on hold pending further directives by the State Government. While the State Government appreciates the Governing Council of the University, please accept the assurance of my warmest regards and best wishes.”

Further investigation revealed that since the issuance of the controversial letter, the government has remained mute on positive development on the need for timely take off of the university.

The National Universities Commission, it is recalled, had issued a letter of recognition for the take-off of the University of Ilesa, following its upgrade from Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, a provisional licence presented by Executive Secretary of the Commission, Professor Abubakar Abdulrasheed, to the then Governor of Osun State Gboyega Oyetola, in Abuja

Oyetola in response noted that the new University of Ilesa would focus on Agriculture and Agri-business to address food insecurity, mining technology building on the abundant gold deposit in Ijesaland, and Medical Sciences to enhance the human resource need in the health sector.

“We are very deliberate in our approach as we seek to contribute to the diversification of our economy and wean it away from over-reliance on oil. In anticipation of the license issuance, we have identified credible candidates for the Governing Council and Principal Officers, ready to be appointed and hit the ground running,” he noted.

“I formerly conveyed the decision of the Government of Osun to upgrade the institution, acknowledged to be the oldest remaining College of Education, to a full-fledged University on 31 March 2022,” Oyetola was quoted saying.

“The establishment of the University of Ilesa is necessitated by the massive gap between qualified candidates and available space in existing higher institutions within the state, as education remains the primary industry in Osun. The yearning is considerably insatiable, and as responsible leaders, we cannot ignore these needs,” he added.

The ugly development has been identified as a stumbling block, with a negative effect on the commencement of the university operations, while as at the time of this investigation it was uncovered that expectedly the admission of students and other relevant activities ought to have started, but all these are on standstill as time runs out

Meanwhile, all frantic efforts to get the Chairman/ Pro Vice-Chancellor or other committee members of the university for reactions proved abortive, but sources disclosed that they cannot and are not authorised to speak to the media as at the time of filing this report.

Eagle

Related Topics:OSCOED University of Ilesa

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68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

Published

9 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approves 67 advocates and one academic for Nigeria’s highest professional honour following its 174th plenary session in Abuja.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 68 legal practitioners following the conclusion of its 2026 selection exercise. The approvals were granted at the LPPC’s 174th plenary session held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Abuja under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. According to the list released by the committee, the successful candidates comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri. The swearing-in ceremony for the new SANs is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 12, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, the committee described the SAN rank as the highest professional distinction available to legal practitioners in Nigeria. The honour is reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in courtroom advocacy or made outstanding contributions to legal scholarship. The LPPC said all successful applicants must participate in and successfully complete the mandatory Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme. The committee said the programme will be organised in line with directives of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), adding that attendance and successful completion are mandatory conditions for the formal conferment of the rank. The date for the induction programme will be communicated in due course.

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The committee reminded the successful candidates that they are prohibited from publishing or encouraging the publication of congratulatory advertisements, goodwill messages or notices in connection with their nomination or conferment. The restriction is in line with Paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023. The LPPC warned that any breach of the provisions could attract sanctions under the relevant professional and ethical rules. “Any breach of these provisions may attract sanctions for violations of statutory or ethical rules, as expressly stated,” the committee said.

The following legal practitioners were elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria:

Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu
Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor
Godwill Achibong Umoh
Sunday Samuel Obende
Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe
Jimson Ejovi Okodaso
Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John
Olaotan Thomas Olusegun
Philemon Audu Daffi
Adenrele David Adegborioye
James Eromosele Agbonhese
Alexander Nduka Muoka
Onome Okodiya
Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye
Ikhide Ehighelua
Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe
Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun
Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi
Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed
Odion Peter Odia
Gbemiga Adaramola
Moses Okoh Onyilokwu
Charles Azubuike Obodozie
Hakeem Obafemi Agaba
Bimbo Felix Atilola
Okechukwu Steve Emelieze
Joshua Demilade Olaniyan
Igonikon Abiola Adekunle
Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie
Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno
Sarafa Kolawole Idowu
Olujoke Enitan Alwus
Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie
Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi
Faruk Abdullah
Sagir Gezawa Suleiman
Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko
Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe
Sabiu Gumba Adamu
Eric Keme Egolukumor Omare
Soibi Ideriah Ovia
Somina Peter Johnbull
Chinedum Ikenna Umeche
Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe
Mohammed El Hassan Sheriff
Junaidu Bello Marshall
Olawale Sunday Fapohunda
Adebiyi Alaba Adetosoye
Senior Sulyman Ibrahim
Agba Eimunjeze
Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande
Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi
Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Adekunle
Umaru Yunusa
Akorede Habeeb Lawal
Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba
Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu
Kayode Orire Omosehin
Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala
Bolu Agbaje Akadri
Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao
Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala
Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja
Afees Hassan Adebayo
Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun
Jonathan Akintola Makinde
Olajide Salami
Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri (Academic)

68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

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BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

Published

9 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

Aircraft overshoots runway and enters nearby bush; all passengers and crew evacuated without casualties as aviation authorities launch investigation.

No fewer than 68 passengers narrowly escaped death on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after an Enugu Air aircraft crash-landed at the Benin Airport in Edo State. The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ENR, was operating on the Enugu–Benin–Lagos commercial route when the incident occurred around midday on Thursday. According to a source at the Benin Airport who spoke on condition of anonymity, the aircraft overshot the runway after landing and veered into a nearby bush. Visuals from the scene circulating on social media showed the aircraft resting on a grassy area beside the runway, with its tail and one wing visibly detached from the fuselage. Passengers and airport personnel were seen walking around the wreckage, with no visible signs of casualties in the footage reviewed.

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Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded promptly to the incident and safely evacuated all passengers from the aircraft. No casualties were recorded. The exact number of crew members on board at the time of the incident could not be immediately confirmed.

Enugu Air is a commercial airline owned by the Enugu State Government and was launched in July 2025. It is the second state-owned commercial airline in Nigeria after Ibom Air, which is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. This latest incident comes after a previous mishap in November 2025, when an Enugu Air aircraft suffered a nose-landing gear failure while arriving at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. In that incident, all passengers and crew were also safely evacuated without injuries.

Aviation authorities, including FAAN and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have yet to issue official statements on the cause of the incident. Investigations are expected to commence to determine what caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

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Ibadan Council Boss Demolishes Criminal Hideout in Apata

Published

9 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Ibadan Council Boss Demolishes Criminal Hideout in Apata

Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande leads joint security operation to bulldoze den used for vandalism, robbery, and theft after months of residents’ complaints and appeals.

The Executive Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Oyo State, Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and properties with the demolition of a notorious criminal hideout and den in Odo Ona, Apata area of the Local Government. The decisive action followed persistent complaints from residents and community leaders over the activities of suspected criminals who had turned the area into a haven for illegal operations, making life unbearable for law-abiding citizens. According to the chairman, the criminals had been terrorising residents for a long time by vandalising public water pipelines, stealing transformer cables, burgling houses, robbing, and engaging in other criminal acts that disrupted the peace and security of the area. The location had become so notorious that residents described it as “a market for illegal things and a den for evil activities,” which had made it difficult for security personnel to assess what was going on there. Community leaders disclosed that several letters and appeals had been written to the council over a period of more than six months, inviting the chairman to come to their aid. Notices of evacuation and removal were served to occupants of the hideout, but they refused to vacate, forcing the council to take decisive action. Responding swiftly to the distress call, the council boss led the intervention that resulted in the bulldozing of the hideout used by the suspected criminals for keeping stolen items and their unlawful activities. The exercise was carried out to restore peace, protect lives, properties, public infrastructure, and ensure the safety of all residents. The operation, which was conducted in collaboration with security agencies, saw heavy equipment move into the area to level the structure that had become a source of fear and insecurity for the community.

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Speaking further during the exercise, Ambassador Akande declared that criminality in any form would not be tolerated anywhere within Ibadan South West Local Government. He stressed that his administration remains committed to maintaining law and order and creating a safe environment where residents can live and carry out their daily activities without fear. He warned criminals and other perpetrators of illegal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that the local government would continue to collaborate with security agencies and community leaders to rid every part of the council area of criminal elements. “We will not allow a few misguided individuals to hold an entire community hostage. The safety of our people is non-negotiable, and we will continue to take every necessary step to ensure that Ibadan South West remains a place where residents can go about their legitimate activities without fear,” Akande stated.

The chairman commended the vigilance and cooperation of the Odo Ona community for prompt reporting of the activities of the criminals, noting that effective security is a shared responsibility between government and the people. He encouraged residents to continue to provide useful information that would assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending offenders. “Security of lives and property remains our top priority. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Ibadan South West remains safe for everyone,” he said. The Chairman of the Gather Olugbode area of Odo Ona committee in Apata, Mr Adepoju Popoola, who spoke on behalf of the committee, narrated the community’s ordeal with the criminals, expressing how they often robbed and stole from residents from time to time. He expressed appreciation to the chairman for his swift intervention, describing the demolition of the hideout as a major step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the area. “The achievement here today is historical as community residents will sleep better,” Popoola said. He also pledged continued support for the administration’s efforts to promote security, safety of lives, and development across Ibadan South West Local Government. Also speaking, the Baale of Odo-Ona, Oloye Mojeed Gunwa Tajo, echoed the same sentiment, saying the raid had brought relief to residents who had lived in fear for months. He noted that the community had been living under constant threat, with criminals operating freely and brazenly, but the demolition had sent a strong signal that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

Present at the venue were political functionaries, the Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Tunde Taofeek Olagunju, the Director of Works, Engr Ademola Moshood Olona, and other local government officials. Their presence underscored the council’s commitment to the operation and its determination to restore law and order in the area. The local government has reiterated its commitment to regular patrols and community engagement to prevent crime and sustain peace across all wards. Officials have also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. The council has pledged to continue working with security agencies to ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place within the local government area.