The University of Ilesa (UNILESA) has secured a ₦4 billion intervention grant from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to establish a Faculty of Technology, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s rapid development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Taiwo Asaolu, disclosed this during a press conference commemorating his third anniversary in office. He noted that UNILESA was selected as one of 12 universities nationwide—alongside the Federal University of Technology Akure—to represent their respective geopolitical zones in accessing the grant.
Academic Expansion and Programme Growth
The newly established Faculty of Technology will offer undergraduate programmes in Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering.
Asaolu further revealed that the university has, within just three years, secured accreditation for about 40 academic programmes and now runs approximately 97 courses, including Law, Nursing and Midwifery, and Chinese Studies.
He added that the Faculty of Medicine is nearing full operation, pending final regulatory approvals.
Government and Community Support
The Vice-Chancellor attributed the university’s rapid growth to sustained support from the Osun State Government under Ademola Adeleke, particularly in funding infrastructure, clearing staff entitlements, and stabilising employment structures.
He also acknowledged contributions from the Ijesa community and traditional leadership, especially Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, for supporting infrastructure development, including hostel projects.
Land Recovery and Infrastructure Development
Asaolu disclosed that the university successfully reclaimed 15 acres of land previously occupied by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, including 24 housing units at various stages of completion.
“That area will host our proposed Faculty,” he stated, adding that the institution has benefited from interventions by TETFund, NELFUND, and several private donors and organisations, including Zenith Bank.
Student Excellence and Institutional Profile
Highlighting student achievements, Asaolu cited a 200-level student who won a national sewing competition and a 300-level Accounting student who passed all stages of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria examinations in one sitting.
He noted that such accomplishments reflect the institution’s growing academic culture and competitiveness.
EduCeleb.com earlier reported that despite the progress, the Vice-Chancellor identified ongoing challenges, including illegal grazing by herders and unauthorised mining activities around the campus—issues the university is actively addressing.
With its expanding academic portfolio, infrastructure growth, and unique facilities such as an 18-hole golf course, Asaolu expressed confidence that UNILESA is on track to become one of Nigeria’s leading universities.
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