By John Dike, Osogbo
The immediate past Provost of the University of Osun (UNIOSUN) College of Education, Professor Florence Adeoti Yusuf, has concluded her four-year tenure with a glowing account of achievements, revealing that over 90 scholarships, educational grants and other forms of financial support were secured for students through partnerships with philanthropists and development organisations.
She disclosed this on Monday during the official handover ceremony, describing the period between 2022 and 2026 as an era of transformation that significantly strengthened the College’s academic profile, student welfare and institutional development.
The scholarship initiative was designed to ensure that no student was denied access to quality education because of financial constraints she said.
Her words, “More than 90 scholarships, educational grants and financial support were awarded through collaborations with philanthropists and development partners, ensuring that financial challenges did not become barriers to academic success.”
Presenting her stewardship report, the outgoing Provost stated that her administration repositioned the College through major academic expansion, professional development and improved governance.
According to her, four new undergraduate programmes were introduced during her tenure, including B.Sc. (Ed.) Business Education, Environmental Education, Adult and Continuing Education, and Computer Education.
She added that seven additional academic programmes, including Ph.D. degrees in English Language Education, Measurement and Evaluation, Curriculum Studies and Science Education, have been fully developed and are awaiting verification by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Professor Yusuf noted that the progress recorded was the result of collaboration with the university management, academic staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders.
“Throughout my tenure, I worked collaboratively with the University Management, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders to strengthen the academic, administrative and professional standing of the College,” she said.
Beyond the College, Professor Yusuf said she also served as Chairman of the Committee of Provosts, Deans and Directors for two terms, during which the committee promoted policy harmonisation, academic quality assurance and stronger collaboration across the university.
She described the scholarship programme as one of the most extensive student support initiatives in the history of the College, noting that beneficiaries came from different academic levels and local government areas.
The outgoing Provost also highlighted efforts to improve the institution’s academic reputation through the institutionalisation of the Annual Lecture Series.
According to her, four editions of the lecture series were organised between 2022 and 2026, attracting renowned scholars, policymakers, educationists and industry leaders to discuss contemporary issues affecting education.
She further disclosed that three editions of the Annual Conference of Education were successfully organised during her tenure, bringing together researchers and academics from different institutions and enhancing the College’s national and international visibility.
Professor Yusuf said the administration also organised four induction programmes in collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), providing graduating education students with professional certification and strengthening their identity as qualified teachers.
On staff development, she explained that the College recruited 36 additional academic staff members and three technologists to improve teaching, research and student support services.
She identified the establishment of a functional College Resource Centre through donor support as another major achievement, saying the facility has enhanced access to academic resources and created a more conducive environment for learning, teaching and research.
Professor Yusuf added that her administration institutionalised staff recognition and excellence awards, with the Vice-Chancellor receiving an Exemplary Leadership Award while four staff members were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the growth of the College.
As she formally handed over leadership, the outgoing Provost urged the incoming administration to pursue NUC verification for all newly developed programmes, sustain the annual lecture series and education conferences, expand scholarship opportunities through stronger partnerships, and prioritise infrastructure development.
“I do so with gratitude, fulfilment and confidence that the solid foundation laid during this administration will support even greater accomplishments in the years ahead,” Professor Yusuf said.
