By: Comrade James Onifade
Governor Ademola Adeleke this week recorded another major milestone in education and workers’ welfare, approving the release of ₦3 billion to settle all outstanding entitlements of staff at the University of Ilesa, UNILESA, and converting 300 casual workers to permanent and pensionable status.
The intervention brings immediate relief to academic and non-academic staff who have endured irregular payments, promotion stagnation, and job insecurity since the university’s upgrade and take-off in 2022. The ₦3bn package covers salary arrears, promotion arrears, earned academic allowances, hazard allowances, and other accrued benefits inherited by the current administration.
The 300 workers confirmed as permanent staff had served the institution for years as casual or contract staff, without pension rights, health insurance, or career progression. Many broke into tears as they received their appointment letters at the university’s Senate Building.
Governor Adeleke, who met with the university management and union leaders before approving the funds, said the decision reflects his administration’s “Workers First” philosophy.
“A university can only rise on the shoulders of motivated staff. We inherited these arrears. We did not trade blame. We solved the problem. From today, UNILESA staff can face their classrooms and laboratories with renewed dignity. This is the Adeleke difference,” the governor declared.
The state government confirmed that the ₦3bn was sourced entirely from its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, and savings from blocked leakages, despite the continued withholding of local government allocations to Osun State by federal authorities.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, UNILESA chapter, described the intervention as “unprecedented and historic.” In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Femi Ogundele, the union said: “Governor Adeleke has ended years of uncertainty. He has restored hope to our members and set a new standard for state-university relations. We are grateful.”
The Non-Academic Staff Union, NASU, and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, also issued separate commendations, pledging to reciprocate the gesture with dedication to duty.
On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of UNILESA students staged a solidarity walk across the campus, chanting “Imole” and displaying placards that read: “Thank You Imole”, “Our Lecturers Are Happy”, and “4 + 4 = Imole.”
Political observers say the UNILESA intervention adds to a growing list of achievements that strengthen Governor Adeleke’s re-election prospects. In less than three years, his administration has delivered prompt payment of salaries and pensions, massive road rehabilitation, upgrades of primary healthcare centers, and now the resolution of the UNILESA crisis.
With Osun also emerging 1st in Southwest and 7th nationally in the 2025 NECO SSCE rankings, analysts argue that the governor is campaigning with projects, not propaganda.
“Performance is the best campaign. Osun people are witnesses. The argument for a second term is no longer political — it is logical. You don’t halt progress in the middle of delivery,” said Comrade James Onifade.
The Osun State Government reiterated its commitment to making UNILESA a world-class institution, disclosing that more infrastructure and TETFund-backed projects would be commissioned before the end of 2026.
Signed: Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and A Better Judicial System
