Tenure extension: Osun setting bad precedent for other govs – ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has again described the tenure extension granted by Governor Ademola Adeleke to the vice-chancellor of the state university as setting a bad precedent for other state governors of the federation.

It will be recalled that Governor Adeleke announced the extension on August 31, 2026, during the inauguration of the reconstituted Governing Council of UNIOSUN.

Following the announcement, the state House of Assembly amended the UNIOSUN Establishment Law to give room for the extension. Consequently, Prof. Adebooye, who was appointed in 2022, will now remain in office till January 2029.

However, ASUU, in a statement signed by its President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, after its National Executive Committee meeting, said the Union is disappointed in both Governor Adeleke and the VC, Professor Clement Adebooye, over the decision.

The union noted that the UNIOSUN Law is a domesticated version of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act, 2012, which clearly provides for a single five-year tenure for vice-chancellors with no room for extension.

“By importing a two-year extension into the UNIOSUN Law, through a hurriedly packaged amendment to serve his purpose, the State Governor has set a bad precedent that could undo the gains of the Universities Miscellaneous Act in Nigeria,” ASUU said.

The union argued that the Principal Act was enacted to curb the era of rancour, bitterness and administrative witch-hunts that trailed tenure renewals for vice-chancellors across Nigerian universities.

ASUU warned that the extension at UNIOSUN may have “reignited this unhealthy atmosphere” and could breed sycophancy and division in the university.

ASUU also faulted Prof. Adebooye for accepting the extension, urging him to rethink the matter before his first five-year tenure ends in January 2027.

“His decision to accept the tenure elongation, following the so-called consultation, is unacceptable. It negates our union’s principles and core values,” the statement read.

The union further criticised Governor Adeleke, saying the hurried amendment when the incumbent’s tenure was about to end was “antithetical to democratic norms” and showed disrespect for the rule of law.

“This is not good enough for a governor whose recent re-election against all odds drew a nationwide applause,” ASUU stated, adding that Osun has now become “a bad example for governors who may wish to put political expediency over and above legal and ethical standards.”

ASUU vowed to challenge the development if dialogue fails, stressing that UNIOSUN, established by license from the National Universities Commission, must be protected from disruptive interference and intrigues.

“But, should reasons fail to prevail, ASUU shall not hesitate to further challenge the absurdity at UNIOSUN before it gains a notorious national currency,” ASUU stressed.