The Vice Chancellor of the newly established University of Ilesa, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, has announced that UNIILESA is set to adopt a revolutionary “Gown and Town” strategy to achieve excellence through a proper collaboration with the host community.
The renowned accounting and finance scholar, Prof. Ashaolu said this when he led top Principal Officers of the institution on a courtesy visit to the Owa Obokun and the paramount ruler of ijesaland, Ọba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran in his palace on the 17th of April 2023.
The strategy is aimed at transforming the institution into a national model of higher learning, through a collaboration with the local community.
Professor Ashaolu pledged his administration’s commitment at ensuring that full operations begin as soon as all necessary National University Commission requirements have been met.
The Don, who himself is an illustrious Ìjẹ̀sà son, expressed optimism that the people of Ijesa would continue to collaborate with the state government to ensure that the school shines in both academics and extracurricular activities.
On his part, the Owa Obokun and the paramount ruler of ijesaland, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, expressed his commitment to offering guidance and assistance to the university team as he offered his prayers and blessings for them.
In a welcome address, High Chief Saka Fapounda, the Ogboni of Ilesa, commended the people of Ijesaland and the Owa Obokun for their outstanding achievement, urging the principal officers and other employees to do their best and instill confidence in the stakeholders.
Two prominent community leaders, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola and Mr. Wale Idowu, also pledged their support to the Vice Chancellor and his team in their efforts to lead the university to enviable heights.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied in the visit by the Registrar, Mr. Funso Olawale Ojo; the Bursar, Dr. Mukaila Oyesegun Oyekanmi, and the Librarian, Mr. Adewale Amobi Ogunsipe.
Recall that the appointments of the principal officers including the Vice-chancellor of the University was inked by the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on April 13, 2023 with a charge to use their wealth of experience to contribute to the advancement of the institution.
The governor tasked them to uphold the virtues of professionalism and integrity that had earned them the appointments.
Professor Taiwo Asaolu, former Dean of OAU, is a Nigerian professor of accounting and finance and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.