The University of Ilesa in Osun State is set to expand its academic offerings with the introduction of programs in Medicine and Surgery, Chinese, and Yoruba, according to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Asaolu.
Prof. Asaolu disclosed that the university had channeled over N4 billion into resource verification and infrastructure development over the last 20 months, ensuring readiness for these programs.
He credited Governor Ademola Adeleke for providing the financial support that facilitated the National Universities Commission’s approval of 67 academic programs.
During the handing-over ceremony of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences Laboratory, a donation from the Ijesaland Community, Asaolu announced that the university’s Senate had approved new programs, including Medicine and Surgery, Special Education, Early Childhood Care Education, Yoruba Language, Chinese Studies, French Language, and Agricultural Sciences.
These programs are slated for presentation to the NUC for resource verification, with plans for implementation by the 2025/2026 academic session.
“We have resolved not to compromise on standards or cut corners, as the professional bodies regulating these programs have strict requirements that must be met. I am proud to say that we have met these standards after investing significant resources, both human and material, into these programs,” he said.
Highlighting the state government’s contributions, Asaolu noted, “The Governor has provided over N4b 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.”
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the university had submitted 23 programs for NUC accreditation and nine others under the University of Ibadan’s Bachelor of Education Degree programs.
Expressing gratitude for the Ijesaland Community’s donation, Asaolu emphasized that the newly equipped laboratory would significantly enhance practical training for nursing students and contribute to the university’s mission of delivering high-quality education.
