The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA), Osun, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, says academic programmes in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture are tuition-free.
Asaolu made the disclosure at a news conference on Wednesday in Ilesa to mark his three years in office.
He explained that the tuition-free policy in the two faculties was introduced to boost student enrollment and address critical national manpower gaps.
“We cannot afford to leave the teaching profession in the hands of non-professionals and quacks. Equally, agriculture is central to economic prosperity and food security. We therefore considered it expedient that these two strategic sectors must not be allowed to lag behind in human capital development,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also noted that wards and children of staff enjoy a 50 percent discount on tuition fees as part of the institution’s robust staff welfare package.
He added that the university has made substantial investments in modern training equipment and established dedicated skill acquisition centres for students.
Students are currently exposed to practical training in fashion design, garment production, Adire and textile production, professional make-up, among others.
Asaolu further stated that since its establishment in 2023, 40 of the university’s programmes have been fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also revealed that the institution has received NUC approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that 3,661 students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) since the beginning of the year.
He commended Gov. Ademola Adeleke for converting 300 temporary staff of the defunct Ilesa College of Education, who were absorbed into the university, to permanent appointments.
