The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, on Friday revealed that the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has allocated over N4 billion (four billion naira) to the institution over the past twenty months for resource verification, renovation, and upgrading of infrastructural facilities.

Prof. Asaolu made this announcement during the commissioning of a N180 million fully equipped Nursing Laboratory building donated to the university by the Ijesa community. He stated that the funds provided by the governor have enabled the university to secure 67 NUC-approved programs.

“We have also been able to present 23 academic programs under the University of Ilesa and 9 programs under the University of Ibadan’s Bachelor of Education Degree programs for accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC),” he said.

“Mr. Governor has indeed paid adequate and appropriate attention to the growth and development of UNILESA. His Excellency has consistently assured us that he will continue to support UNILESA.”

Speaking on the donated laboratory, the Vice-Chancellor affirmed that the facility would ensure nursing students at the institution receive quality practical training.

Prof. Asaolu expressed appreciation to the Ijesa community for their generous contribution, adding that the university is committed to maintaining high academic standards.

“This laboratory will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to ensure quality education by exposing our nursing students to top-notch practical training, which is the hallmark of any effective teaching and learning process,” he stated.

“The need for a standard Nursing Sciences Laboratory was emphasized during the resource verification by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria last year. We assured the Council that we would provide a well-equipped laboratory, and this has been achieved through the laudable intervention of the Ijesa community.”

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that new programs have been approved by the University Senate for onward presentation to the National Universities Commission.

“Please let me inform you that our Senate has approved additional programs, including Medicine and Surgery, Early Childhood Care Education, Special Education, French Language, Chinese Studies, Yoruba Language, and Agricultural Sciences. These programs will soon be presented to the NUC for resource verification and are expected to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session,” he added.

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Meanwhile, the Ijesa community explained that the donation, made under the Ijesa Endowment Fund, was aimed at supporting the state government in elevating the university to global prominence.

During the official handover of the building, the chairman of the endowment fund, Chief Akinwande Akinola, said the laboratory is fully furnished and ready for use by students.

“We planned that the building, which we started from scratch, would be completed and delivered within six months. By the grace of God and the unwavering determination of the Ijesa people, we achieved that feat,” Akinola said.

“It is expected that with this handover today, in anticipation of the resumption of students next Monday, the 6th of January, the laboratory, now fully furnished, will be put to immediate and active use.

“We use this opportunity to appreciate the Ijesa men and women of immeasurable determination who made financial contributions to the Endowment Fund. We pray that God, in His kindness, will continue to bless them even as we plead with them not to relent in their support for the university.”

He also urged students to maintain the structure and make good use of it.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Gbenga Onigbogi, highlighted the significant contribution of the Ijesa community to the development of UNILESA.

“This donation fulfills the assurance of the Ijesa community to support the growth of UNILESA. I strongly believe this laboratory will significantly enhance teaching, learning, and academic excellence at the University of Ilesa,” he said.

“The Ijesa community has invested approximately N180 million in this project, with N150 million allocated for constructing the building and N30 million for equipping the laboratory,” he stressed.