Osun State University Among 12 Institutions to Benefit from $15 Million Solar Energy Project

In a promising development for the Nigerian education sector, a significant initiative involving the provision of solar-powered energy has been set in motion. This ambitious project, backed by the reputable South Korean firm, Blue Mountain Energy (BME), is poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s higher education institutions.

On Thursday, October 12, 2023, the CEO of Blue Mountain Energy (BME) Korea, Mr. Jung Cookjin, and the Executive Director of SDG Youth International, Mr. Kim Ju Yong, touched down in Nigeria for a 5-day working visit. Their primary objective during this visit was to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of a select group of 12 higher education institutions earmarked to benefit from the BME-Saudi Exim Bank Solar Energy Project.

The BME-Saudi Exim Bank Solar Energy Project is part of the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) provided by the Saudi-Exim Bank. This collaborative effort is a five-year endeavor with an impressive financial commitment of $15 million per year. It aims to bring solar energy to various sectors of Nigeria’s economy, starting with the allocation of 100KVA solar energy to the 12 higher institutions situated across the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria.

The project is poised to kick off in earnest with the pilot phase, set to commence in February 2024. During this initial stage, Osun State University, Osogbo, and the Federal University of Agriculture in Kebbi State will be the first beneficiaries. Installation of solar energy infrastructure in the remaining 10 institutions will be executed in a phased manner, spanning from February to October 2024.

Uzoh Ifeanyi, the Country Representative for Nigeria and the African Region, took the opportunity to share crucial details about the project during a press briefing in Abuja. He revealed that the second phase of this commendable endeavor will extend to public primary and secondary schools in local government areas throughout the country, starting in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

This ambitious project is poised to bring a multitude of benefits to Nigeria. Not only will it secure a reliable energy source for the designated institutions, but it will also pave the way for the establishment of a solar power plant within the nation’s borders. This initiative is set to create employment opportunities for the nation’s youth, and it will introduce a solar engineering course into Nigerian universities, facilitating the education of future experts in solar technology.

Furthermore, the project promises to offer automatic employment prospects to graduates specializing in BME Solar Engineering. They will find opportunities not only within BME Korea but also in BME Saudi Arabia and other esteemed solar technology companies operating overseas. This commitment to fostering renewable energy infrastructure and expertise is a promising step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for Nigeria.

Pensioners Collapse During Ongoing Forensic Audit in Osun State

Three pensioners participating in the ongoing forensic audit of the state government’s active and passive workers in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, collapsed at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding. The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. as pensioners awaited the commencement of the exercise. Health workers from the State Ambulance Service swiftly intervened to revive and stabilize the collapsed pensioners. Some participants who couldn’t endure prolonged standing were seen either lying down on the floor or sitting under nearby trees outside the facility.

Dele Aina, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the state, confirmed the incident and stated his intention to assess the situation and ensure adequate care for the affected pensioners. The NUP had previously urged the state government to decentralize the audit exercise for easier access by its members. The staff audit had been suspended by the state House of Assembly due to concerns about the treatment of civil servants by the consultant but was later resumed after promised adjustments were made.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke Approves Palliative for UNIOSUN Staff

In a gesture of support and consideration, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has granted approval to the recommendation put forth by the Adeboye-led management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) to provide palliative assistance to all university staff. The aim of this initiative is to alleviate the impact of the recent removal of fuel subsidies.

The announcement was made through an official statement released by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, on June 15, 2023. As the visitor to Osun State University, Governor Adeleke accepted the management’s proposal for the disbursement of palliative funds to UNIOSUN staff, taking into account the exorbitant costs associated with inter-campus commuting during this period of high petrol prices.

The statement read, “Having recognized that the rising costs of inter-campus commuting could significantly affect the university staff, the University Management, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor ‘Ayo Clement Adebooye, recommended the provision of palliative support to the Governor, which he graciously approved with immediate effect.”

Expressing their gratitude for the Governor’s kind gesture, the Chairman of the University’s Joint Action Congress of NAAT, NASU, and SSANU, Comrade Isaiah Fayemi, conveyed appreciation on behalf of all union members. He commended the Vice-Chancellor, the Management team, and Governor Adeleke for their magnanimity. Furthermore, he emphasized that the provision of palliative support serves as a means to motivate staff, urging everyone to demonstrate unwavering commitment to their duties and discharge them diligently.

UNIOSUN remains dedicated to fostering a supportive and productive community, and the university extends heartfelt thanks to Governor Adeleke for his approval. This decision underscores the government’s recognition of the challenges faced by the staff and their commitment to alleviating the burden caused by rising fuel prices.

As UNIOSUN continues to prioritize the welfare of its staff members, it remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence in academia and aims to provide a conducive environment for learning and research.

Osun State University Scholars Secure $12 Million in Research Grants, Cementing Global Recognition

Prof. Clement Adebooye, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, has announced that scholars from the university have secured research grants totaling $12 million in the first half of 2023. According to Adebooye, this achievement is attributed to the support and encouragement provided by the university’s management to its staff in finding solutions to global issues.

The announcement came in response to the recent success of Prof. John Agbonifo, the Director of the Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute, and Prof. Olukoya Ogen, the Director of the Office of Research and Innovation Management. They collaborated with Prof. Jean-Marc Trouille from Bradford University to form a research consortium for a project titled “The European Union and Africa in a Multi Crises World.” The research project received funding of €7,800,000 from ERASMUS-JMO-2023-NETWORKS-HEI-NON-EU-AFRICA.

A statement released by the UNIOSUN Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, highlighted that the AfriquEurope project, facilitated by Prof. Agbonifo and with Prof. Ogen as the Project Financial Signatory, is the largest Jean Monnet network of its kind. It aims to foster collaboration between universities and think tanks in Africa and Europe, focusing on issues relevant to both continents and supporting the EU’s efforts to strengthen its partnership with Africa.

Expressing his satisfaction with the achievements of the university’s staff, Vice-Chancellor Adebooye stated that these research endeavors and grant successes align with his vision for the institution. He believes that UNIOSUN will continue to attract significant funding and become one of the leading universities in the region in terms of research grants.

“With a total of $12 million secured in grants in 2023 alone, UNIOSUN has achieved a remarkable milestone. We take great pride in the accomplishments of our researchers. This latest grant marks another significant step in our research and global visibility agenda. I am confident that in the near future, we will be among the universities that have won the highest grants in this part of the world,” Adebooye declared.

Aggrieved UNIOSUN Alumni NEC members drag BOT to court over alleged illegal activities

Legal Battle over Disciplinary Actions: Allegations of Unfairness and Constitutional Breaches.

Introduction: The OSUN State University Alumni Association is currently caught up in a legal dispute following allegations of financial misappropriation and misconduct within its ranks. Abubakar Basit Olalekan and Oyesowo David have taken legal action against the Alumni Association, specifically targeting the BOT (Board of Trustees) led by Aderanti Adebisi. The summon raises concerns over fair hearing and constitutional violations, throwing the association’s disciplinary actions into question.

Incompetence of the Petition: The plaintiffs argue that the petition lodged against them and the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Alumni Association, dated March 9, 2023, is fundamentally flawed. They claim that the petition failed to meet the constitutional requirements, as it should have been signed by 25 members of the association before being presented to the defendants. This raises doubts about the validity and procedural soundness of the petition.

Violation of the Right to Fair Hearing: One of the critical issues raised in the court summon is the alleged breach of the plaintiffs’ right to fair hearing, protected by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The plaintiffs argue that they were not given an opportunity to defend themselves as they were not included in the petition, served with the petition, or invited to participate in the proceedings before the Uniosun Disciplinary Panel Committee. This calls into question the principles of due process and natural justice.

Procedural Irregularities: The summon also highlights procedural irregularities that cast doubt on the integrity of the disciplinary process. The plaintiffs contend that the petition was not served on other members of the NEC, denying them the chance to defend themselves before the disciplinary committee. Such a disregard for fair hearing raises concerns about the credibility of the disciplinary proceedings. Moreover, the plaintiffs argue that the disciplinary report itself is null and void due to irregularities and alleged violations of the association’s constitution.

Legitimacy of the Disciplinary Actions: The plaintiffs challenge the validity of their suspension and that of the NEC by the BOT. They argue that the suspension is null and void since it lacks a proper basis and the BOT may not possess the constitutional authority to take such actions. The plaintiffs also question the constitutionality and legitimacy of the disciplinary panel, asserting that it was not properly constituted according to the association’s constitution.

Seeking Relief: In the court summon, the plaintiffs seek various declarations and orders from the court. They request the court to declare the petition incompetent, acknowledge the breach of their right to fair hearing, nullify the disciplinary report, dissolve/remove the defendants as trustees, and set aside their suspension. The plaintiffs also seek an award of costs and any other relief that the court deems appropriate.

Conclusion: The legal battle initiated by Abubakar Basit Olalekan and Oyesowo David against the OSUN State University Alumni Association shines a spotlight on alleged unfairness and constitutional breaches within the association. As the court proceedings unfold, the fate of the disciplinary actions and potential reforms to address the concerns raised by the plaintiffs hang in the balance. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the governance and reputation of the Alumni Association.

The court summon is shared below:

Document summoning BOTDownload

UNIOSUN Alumni Association Rocked by Disciplinary Committee Findings

In a pivotal moment that will be etched into the annals of Osun State University’s rich history, the Alumni Association stands at a crossroads. Recent developments have shaken the very foundations of this revered institution, as the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Osun State University Alumni Association, commonly known as the UNIOSUN Alumni Association, took a momentous step by setting up a Disciplinary Committee.
The Association has been left reeling by the findings of a recent Disciplinary Committee’s report. This comprehensive report, dated 11 April 2023, has unveiled a series of allegations and investigations that have taken the Association by storm.


The Investigation Report

The UNIOSUN Alumni Association Disciplinary Committee, appointed on the 17th of March 2023 by the Board of Trustees (BOT), has produced an in-depth report that unveils serious allegations against the National Executive Council (NEC) of the UNIOSUN Alumni Association. The report outlines the nature of the allegations and the key individuals involved:

  1. Offence: Alleged Offence of Incessant Financial Misappropriation and Breach of Constitutional Provision by the National Executive Council of the Uniosun Alumni Association.
  2. Against: The report lists the NEC members implicated, including Oriola Oladipupo, Adejumo Itunu Joseph, Abubakar Basit, and Ifeade Oladimeji.
  3. Petitioners: The individuals who lodged the petition include Olatomide Famuyide, Rasheed Aijsafe, and Mojeed Oyedeji.

Investigative Procedures and Findings

The Disciplinary Committee’s report delves into the investigative procedures and critical findings that have rocked the UNIOSUN Alumni Association. It’s worth noting that the report provides crucial insights into the allegations made against the NEC and their subsequent actions:

  1. Failure to Respond: The report highlights that several key members of the NEC, including the President and Treasurer, failed to respond to letters sent to them as part of the investigation.
  2. Campus Tour Disobedience: During a Google Meeting organized by the Committee, it was discovered that the NEC, including the President, Secretary, and others, embarked on a Campus Tour despite instructions from the Board of Trustees (BoT) not to proceed with the tour.
  3. Missing Information: The NEC could not provide the Committee with detailed information about the actual amount spent on the Campus Tour.
  4. Lack of Transparency: It was revealed that some NEC members received funds in their personal bank accounts, with N8,457,050 withdrawn from the Association’s First Bank account between 12th November, 2021, and 7th December, 2022.
  5. Non-Compliance with BoT Directives: Despite explicit instructions from the BoT not to withdraw funds from the Polaris Bank account, the NEC withdrew N4,194,500.00 from the account.
  6. Unapproved Transfers: Transfers totaling N3,500,000.00 were made to different bank accounts without BoT approval. This included N500,000.00 transferred to Abubakar Abdulbasit, N750,000.00 to Oriola Oladipupo, and various other transactions.
  7. Late Returns: It was observed that the President and Secretary returned the money to the Polaris Bank account only after the petition was filed, while another individual, Oyesowo David Tobi, did not return the funds.
  8. Refusal to Provide Bank Statements: The NEC members declined to furnish the Committee with their bank statements, which would have been instrumental in determining if Association funds were used for personal purposes.


Conclusion and Recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee
The Disciplinary Committee’s report concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis and preventing such incidents in the future:

  1. Improved Communication: The report suggests the need for enhanced communication channels between the NEC and BoT to ensure that approvals are obtained in accordance with the constitution.
  2. Constitutional Amendment: A thorough review and amendment of the Association’s constitution are recommended to prevent future incidents.
  3. Further Investigation: The BoT is urged to dig deeper into the actual expenses to get to the root of the matter.
  4. Appropriate Discipline: The report recommends disciplinary action against the President and others found guilty of non-compliance with BoT instructions and mismanagement of Association funds.

These revelations have sent shockwaves through the UNIOSUN Alumni Association. The next steps and actions taken by the Board of Trustees will undoubtedly shape the future of the Association.

For ongoing updates and further developments on this matter, stay tuned to uniosunupdates.com.

Unraveling the Suspension of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Osun State University Alumni Association

In a recent turn of events, the Alumni Association of an OSUAA institution found itself in a state of upheaval as the Board of Trustees (BOT) announced the suspension of the National Executive Council (NEC). This bold move, allegedly grounded in constitutional backing and serious allegations, has sparked discussions and speculations among the members. This article aims to dissect the key points from the official letters and provide insights into the reasons and implications of the NEC’s suspension. The whitepaper from the trustees is downloadable here:

LETTER-TO-CONCERNED-MEMBER-OF-THE-ASSOCIATION-WHITE-PAPER-ON-D.C-REPORTDownload

The Disciplinary Committee Report

The saga began when concerned financial members of the association lodged a petition alleging financial misappropriation and constitutional breaches against certain NEC members. In response to these grave accusations, the BOT established a 5-man Disciplinary Committee charged with the responsibility of investigating the allegations and providing a detailed report within two weeks.

The BOT, having reviewed the Disciplinary Committee’s report and conducted further investigations, made several bold and consequential decisions:

  1. Immediate Dissolution of NEC: The BOT invoked specific sections of the association’s constitution to dissolve the NEC. This move was primarily attributed to the NEC’s disobedience of BOT’s instructions on various matters, including a campus tour, fund withdrawal, fund transfer without approval, and failure to notify the BOT about funds received from the university management.
  2. Post-No-Debit on Association Accounts: All accounts operated by the association are now under a “Post-No-Debit” status. This means that no withdrawals can be made until the suspension is lifted, and all properties previously held by NEC members are to be handed over to the Alumni Secretariat.
  3. Suspension of Key Officers: The President, General Secretary, Legal Adviser, and National Treasurer have been suspended pending further investigations into the use of funds. They have been given a two-week ultimatum to provide bank statements that account for the received funds.
  4. Postponement of Congress/Elections: The forthcoming Congress/Elections have been postponed, and a fresh election will be conducted within the required timeframe according to the association’s constitution.
  5. Formation of Caretaker Committee: A Caretaker Committee (CTC) is being established with various mandates, including drafting a new constitution, setting up an Alumni Website/Portal, conducting an external audit, and organizing a congress and election within 90 days.

The official letter enumerates several reasons for their conclusions:

  1. Security Threats: Concerns were raised about security threats in the buildup to the Convention/Election, potentially endangering lives and properties.
  2. Financial Membership Interpretation: The interpretation of financial membership was disputed, causing doubts about who should have voting rights and be eligible for office.
  3. Constitutional Limitations: The constitution’s limitations were also scrutinized, particularly a clause allowing only those who have attended two congresses to contest.
  4. Accountability and Recourse: The suspended NEC members who are recontesting must exonerate themselves and show reasons why further disciplinary actions should not be taken.
  5. Constitution Review: A comprehensive constitution review is deemed necessary to prevent such crises in the future and improve the association’s structure.

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Secures Full Accreditation for 26 Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses

Osogbo, Osun State – Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has announced the successful attainment of full accreditation for 26 of its undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Clement Adebooye, shared this milestone as he highlighted the recent accomplishments of the university.

In a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, it was explained that rigorous evaluations were conducted by various assessment teams to assess the teaching and learning facilities, as well as the academic personnel across the different programs.

“We are delighted to receive the outcome from the National Universities Commission (NUC) confirming the full accreditation of all our undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This represents a remarkable achievement as all 26 programs have obtained 100% accreditation,” said Prof. Adebooye.

Among the accredited undergraduate programs are Fisheries and Aquaculture, Wildlife Management, Food Science and Technology, Computer Science, Guidance and Counseling, Urban and Regional Planning, Medicine and Surgery, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics with Electronics, Statistics, Public Health, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Economics, Geography, Political Science and International Relations, and Banking and Finance, among others.

The university expressed its pride in achieving such a high level of accreditation across a wide range of academic disciplines, affirming its commitment to maintaining quality education and meeting the standards set by regulatory bodies.

In another significant development, Dr. Samson Adesote, a lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies, has been invited by the Nigerian Army to participate in the historical documentation of the Nigerian Army’s peacekeeping interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Recognizing this assignment as a major national project, UNIOSUN emphasized its satisfaction in contributing to this endeavor through the involvement of its staff. The opportunity showcases the expertise and academic excellence present within the university’s faculty, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for intellectual contributions and national development.

With these recent achievements, Osun State University demonstrates its commitment to providing quality education and academic programs that meet national and international standards. The institution continues to strive for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, fostering an environment that nurtures the growth and success of its students and staff.

Nursing Student Declared Missing at Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

Osogbo, Osun State – In a concerning development, Zainab Popoola, a 500-level nursing student at Osun State University, has been reported missing. The announcement, made via the university’s radio station’s Twitter account, @UniosunFm, stated that Miss Popoola was last seen by her relatives on Saturday, December 3.

The university management, in coordination with security agencies, has taken immediate action to locate the missing student. Ademola Adesoji, the school’s public relations officer, confirmed the incident and assured the public that necessary measures were being taken to find her.

“We have reported the case. We received the information late yesterday, indicating that she mentioned going out. As soon as we were informed, we alerted the Chief Security Officer of the University, who initiated an investigation,” stated Mr. Adesoji.

According to preliminary investigations conducted by the university’s security personnel, it was discovered that Zainab Popoola left a note before her disappearance. The contents of the note have not yet been disclosed, as authorities are still evaluating its significance. The matter has been reported to both the local police and the Department of State Services (DSS), who have launched their own investigations.

“We are currently analyzing the note and working closely with the police and DSS in their ongoing investigation,” Mr. Adesoji added.

Zainab Popoola resided off-campus, and her absence was initially noticed when she failed to attend classes and concerned friends began sharing information about her online. The university’s Student Affairs Officer promptly reached out to her friends for more information, leading to the discovery of her disappearance. Subsequently, the Chief Security Officer and Student Affairs Officer collaborated to initiate the investigation, which prompted the involvement of the police and the DSS.

Yemisi Opalola, the police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the incident and assured the public that the police were actively working on the case.

“We are aware of the situation. The case has been reported to the police, and we are fully engaged in the investigation,” said Mrs. Opalola.

As the search for Zainab Popoola intensifies, the university community and local authorities remain committed to ensuring her safe return. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of campus security and the need for collaborative efforts in promptly addressing such matters.

Further updates on the ongoing investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.