The University of Ilesa, Osun State, is taking bold steps toward academic excellence with plans to introduce new programs in Medicine and Surgery, Chinese, Yoruba, and other disciplines.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Asaolu, made this announcement during the handing-over ceremony of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences Laboratory, a facility donated by the Ijesaland Community.
Asaolu highlighted the university’s strategic initiatives over the past 20 months, which included a massive investment of over N4 billion for resource verification and infrastructure upgrades.
This funding, provided by the Osun State government under Governor Ademola Adeleke, has facilitated the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) approval of 67 academic programs.
The VC revealed that the university Senate has approved several new programs, including Early Childhood Care Education, Special Education, French Language, Chinese Studies, Yoruba Language, and Agricultural Sciences.
These, alongside Medicine and Surgery, will soon be presented to the NUC for resource verification, with their launch targeted for the 2025/2026 academic session.
“We have resolved not to compromise on standards or cut corners,” Asaolu stated. “The professional bodies regulating these programs have strict requirements, and I am proud to say that we have met these standards after investing significant resources, both human and material.”
Prof. Asaolu lauded Governor Adeleke’s administration for its unwavering support, noting that the N4 billion investment has been instrumental in transforming the university.
“The Governor has provided over N4 billion to the university in the past 20 months, which has been used for resource verification, renovation, and infrastructure upgrades. This has enabled us to secure NUC approval for 67 academic programs,” he said.
In addition to the newly approved programmes, the university has submitted 23 academic programs for accreditation under the University of Ilesa and nine programs under the University of Ibadan’s Bachelor of Education Degree programs.
The VC also expressed gratitude to the Ijesaland Community for their generous donation of the nursing sciences laboratory.
“This facility will enhance our efforts to provide quality education and enable our nursing students to receive better practical training,” he remarked.
The University of Ilesa expansion into diverse fields, including Chinese and Yoruba studies, aligns with its vision of fostering cultural understanding and academic innovation.
