The Vice-Chancellor of Ilesa University, Professor Taiwo Asaolu, on Friday revealed that the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has allocated over N4 billion (four billion naira) to the institution over the last twenty months for means testing and renewal. and improvement of infrastructural facilities.
Professor Asaolu made this announcement during the commissioning of a fully equipped nursing laboratory building worth N180 million donated to the university by the Ijesa community. He stated that the funds provided by the governor have enabled the university to obtain 67 programs approved by NUC.
“We have also been able to submit 23 academic programs of the University of Ilesa and 9 programs of the Bachelor of Education of the University of Ibadan for accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC),” he said.
“Sir. Indeed, the Governor has given adequate and appropriate attention to the growth and development of UNILESA. His Excellency has constantly assured us that he will continue to support UNILESA.”
Talking about the donated laboratory, the vice-chancellor stated that the facility would ensure that nursing students of the institution received quality practical training.
Professor Asaolu expressed his gratitude to the Ijesa community for their generous contribution, adding that the university is committed to maintaining high academic standards.
“This laboratory will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to ensure quality education by exposing our nursing students to world-class practical training, which is the hallmark of any effective teaching and learning process,” he said.
“The need for a standard nursing science laboratory was emphasized during the resource check conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria last year. We assured the City Council that we would provide a well-equipped laboratory and this has been achieved thanks to the laudable intervention of the Ijesa community.”
The Rector also highlighted that new programs have been approved by the University Senate for subsequent presentation to the National Commission of Universities.
“Let me inform you that our Senate has approved additional programs, including Medicine and Surgery, Early Childhood Care Education, Special Education, French Language, Chinese Studies, Yoruba Language and Agricultural Sciences. These programs will soon be submitted to the NUC for means verification and are expected to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session,” he added.
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Meanwhile, the Ijesa community explained that the donation, made under the Ijesa Endowment Fund, was aimed at supporting the state government in elevating the university to global prominence.
During the official handover of the building, the Chairman of the endowment fund, Chief Akinwande Akinola, said the laboratory is fully furnished and ready to be used by the students.
“We planned that the building, which we started from scratch, would be completed and delivered within six months. By the grace of God and the unwavering determination of the people of Ijesa, we achieved that feat,” Akinola said.
“It is expected that with this delivery today, in anticipation of the resumption of students next Monday, January 6, the laboratory, now fully furnished, will be put into immediate and active use.
“We take this opportunity to thank the Ijesa men and women of immeasurable determination who made financial contributions to the Endowment Fund. We pray that God, in his goodness, will continue to bless you even as we implore you not to relent in your support of the university.”
He also urged students to maintain the structure and make good use of it.
In his speech, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Gbenga Onigbogi, highlighted the significant contribution of the Ijesa community to the development of UNILESA.
“This donation fulfills the commitment of the Ijesa community to support the growth of UNILESA. I firmly believe that this laboratory will significantly enhance teaching, learning and academic excellence at Ilesa University,” he said.
“The Ijesa community has invested approximately N180 million in this project, of which N150 million was allocated for the construction of the building and N30 million for equipping the laboratory,” he stressed.