The Osun State Government has said the governance of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, is guided by law and the statutory responsibilities of constituted authorities, rather than the preferences of any staff union.

The government stated this in a reaction to a recent statement by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, concerning the extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Clement Odunayo Adebooye.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government said it respects the right of recognised unions to express their views on issues affecting the university, but stressed that such rights do not extend to determining or directing the statutory responsibilities of the Visitor, Governing Council or the Osun State House of Assembly.

The government explained that the current tenure of the Vice-Chancellor remains valid until January 2027, stressing that no retroactive decision had been taken regarding his tenure.

It said the decision by the Visitor to UNIOSUN, Governor Ademola Adeleke, should be understood within the constitutional and statutory powers of the Visitor, as well as subsequent legislative action by the Osun State House of Assembly.

According to the statement, following the Visitor’s decision, the State Assembly commenced the process of amending the UNIOSUN Establishment Law to provide the statutory framework for the tenure extension.

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The government said the amendment was considered and passed by the House, describing this as evidence that the matter had been subjected to legislative scrutiny and due process.

It consequently rejected claims that the Visitor acted arbitrarily or outside the law, arguing that the Legislature has the power to review and amend existing provisions of the university’s enabling law in accordance with due legislative procedure.

The government also cautioned against actions or statements capable of creating tension and institutional instability within the university.

It maintained that while staff unions are important stakeholders, they cannot substitute their judgment for that of legally constituted organs of the university.

The government urged members of the university community to focus on teaching, research, innovation and community service, particularly preparations for UNIOSUN’s forthcoming 16th Convocation Ceremonies.

It further assured stakeholders of its commitment to the rule of law, due process and institutional stability, while welcoming constructive engagement with recognised unions within the established governance structure of the university.