Osun govt, ASUU clash over UNIOSUN VC tenure extension

The Osun State Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have been at odds over the extension of the tenure of Professor Clement Odunayo Adebooye, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, UNIOSUN. The government maintains that the decision to extend Professor Adebooye's tenure by two years was made in accordance with the law, while ASUU disputes the process, citing violations of the Universities Miscellaneous Act.

Following Governor Ademola Adeleke's approval of the extension, ASUU criticized it at an Emergency National Executive Council meeting on September 5, 2026. The union resolved to mobilize its members against the perceived violation of the law and to investigate the circumstances surrounding the extension. The Osun State Government responded, stating that the university's governance is guided by statutory provisions and not the preferences of any staff union.

They emphasized that the decision to extend Professor Adebooye's tenure was based on legislative action taken by the Osun State House of Assembly, which amended the UNIOSUN Establishment Law to provide a statutory framework for the tenure extension. The government clarified that interpreting an existing law and amending it by the Legislature are different processes, and the Governing Council remains responsible for matters within its statutory jurisdiction.

ASUU has called for engagement within the boundaries of the law, mutual respect, and the performance of relevant statutory institutions' duties.