Adeleke Installs Victoria Samson as UNIOSUN Chancellor, Reaffirms Commitment to Higher Education

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening tertiary education through sustained investment in infrastructure, quality leadership and institutional development, following the installation of businesswoman and philanthropist Victoria Samson as the third Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN).

The investiture ceremony, held on Monday, drew government officials, traditional rulers, members of the academic community, alumni and other dignitaries, marking another milestone in the university's growth.

Speaking at the event, Governor Adeleke said the appointment of Samson reflected his administration's determination to position the university for greater academic excellence through visionary leadership and strategic investments.

He reiterated his government's commitment to providing the infrastructure and enabling environment required for tertiary institutions across the state to compete favourably at both national and international levels.

"As a government, we remain committed to creating the conditions that will enable our higher institutions to thrive through sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation and quality leadership," the governor said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Odunayo Adebooye, described the appointment as a significant step in the institution's development, expressing confidence that the new Chancellor would build on the achievements of her predecessor, Folorunsho Alakija.

He said the university looked forward to benefiting from Samson's wealth of experience in business and philanthropy as it continues to pursue its vision of academic excellence, innovation and global competitiveness.

In her acceptance speech, Samson pledged to deploy more than four decades of experience in business and philanthropy to support the university's growth.

She promised to promote strategic partnerships that would strengthen teaching, learning, research and innovation while contributing to the institution's long-term development.

Samson also expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in her, assuring the university community that she would work closely with management and stakeholders to advance UNIOSUN's aspirations.

As part of activities marking the investiture, Governor Adeleke commissioned several completed projects within the university, including a modern sports complex, a science laboratory complex and two new lecture theatres.

According to the governor, the projects are aimed at expanding the university's capacity, improving the quality of teaching and research and creating a more conducive learning environment for students and staff.

Stakeholders at the ceremony described the installation of the new Chancellor and the commissioning of the projects as clear indications of the Osun State Government's commitment to strengthening higher education and positioning Osun State University among Nigeria's leading public universities.