UNILESA Student Population Hits 15,000 as University Marks 3 Years

The University of Ilesa (UNILESA) has recorded a sharp rise in student population within three years of its establishment, moving from no fewer than 1,000 students to over 15,000.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, shared the update during a media briefing held to mark his third year as head of the university.

UNILESA Growth Since April 2023

UNILESA took off in April 2023 after the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, was upgraded to a university.

Prof. Asaolu said the university inherited “dilapidated structures, demoralised members of staff and collapsing infrastructure” at the start, but the school has since expanded its academic base, raised student enrolment and worked to steady its operations.

That is the story he placed before the press.

Student Population Rises to Over 15,000

According to the Vice-Chancellor, UNILESA has grown from no fewer than 1,000 students at take-off to more than 15,000 within three years.

The rise came as the university expanded its course list and gained approval for more academic programmes.

UNILESA Now Runs 97 NUC-Approved Programmes

Prof. Asaolu said the university now runs 97 academic programmes fully approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The approved courses cover fields such as:

• Law
• Nursing Science
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Physiotherapy
• Optometry
• Chinese Studies
• Special Education

The spread of courses shows how much the university has widened its academic offer since it began.

MBBS Programme Gets NUC Approval

The Vice-Chancellor also said UNILESA has secured NUC approval to begin the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.

The university is now awaiting final clearance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

General Hospital Upgrade for Clinical Training

Prof. Asaolu named the upgrade of the State General Hospital, Ilesa, into a teaching hospital as one of the main parts of the university’s development plan.

The move is expected to support clinical training and improve healthcare delivery across Ijesaland.

Golf Course Adds Sports and Leisure Edge

UNILESA is also building a name around its 18-hole golf course.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university has hosted national events, including the Professional Golfers’ Association’s 15th Qualifying School Seminar, placing the school as a growing centre for sports and leisure activities.

Governor Adeleke Credited for Support

Prof. Asaolu credited Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for supporting the university’s progress, mainly through campus renewal and staff-related interventions.

He said the reconstruction of the university road network has changed the campus environment, while state government support helped settle long-standing staff welfare issues inherited from the defunct college.

That support, he added, also helped restore industrial harmony.

Challenges Still Facing UNILESA

The Vice-Chancellor listed some areas where the university still needs urgent support.

They include:

• Inadequate student accommodation
• Unreliable power supply
• Insufficient lecture halls
• Insufficient laboratories

Prof. Asaolu called for intervention in these areas to help the university sustain its current pace

Share This Post: If this post helped you, share it with others! Use the buttons below to spread the word!