The University of Ilesa (UNILESA) has announced plans to collaborate with the Agro Ranger Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to tackle the persistent challenge of open grazing on its campus.
The Vice Chancellor, Olufemi Asaolu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media parley marking the third anniversary of his appointment.
Asaolu described the frequent intrusion of herders and cattle into the university premises as “uncalled for,” noting that the institution is already engaging agro rangers who conduct periodic assessments. He added that discussions are underway to make the operatives resident on campus.
“Those who will be hired must be able to speak the language the herders understand. With that, the menace will be reduced to a tolerable extent,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also raised concerns over illegal mining activities around the university, describing them as more dangerous due to their nocturnal and often armed nature.
“They dig trenches so much that it is not safe; one can easily fall into the excavated sites. It is that bad,” Asaolu said, adding that some offenders had been arrested in the past and that the institution would sustain enforcement efforts.
Growth and Academic Expansion
Highlighting the university’s progress, Asaolu revealed that UNILESA now offers about 97 courses approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), with 40 programmes already enjoying full accreditation.
He added that the university has secured NUC approval to commence the MBBS programme and is awaiting clearance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The institution has also expanded its academic scope with a new Faculty of Technology, offering programmes in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechatronics Engineering.
According to Asaolu, student enrolment has surpassed 15,000 across undergraduate, JUPEB, and pre-degree programmes—an indicator of growing public confidence in the institution.
Infrastructure and Institutional Support
The Vice Chancellor commended Ademola Adeleke for supporting the university’s development, noting that interventions from TETFund and NELFUND have also helped address infrastructure and accommodation challenges.
He further highlighted the university’s 18-hole golf course as a distinctive facility that has boosted its national visibility and hosted several sporting events.
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