The Governor of the State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has appointed the third richest woman of African descent in the world, Folorunso Alakija, as Chancellor of the Osun State University, Osogbo.
The governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Semiu Okanlawon, said pursuant to the provisions of clause 5(8) of the first schedule to the Osun State University (Establishment) Law, 2006, Mr. Aregbesola is privileged to appointment Mrs. Alakija as the Chancellor of the University.
The appointment, which according to the statement, takes immediate effect will be for a period of five years.
The statement noted that statute 3(1) (a) and statute 5 of the Osun State University Law (2006) provides that the University shall have a Chancellor, who shall, in relation to the University take precedence before all other members of the University and when he or she is present shall preside at all meetings of Convocation held for conferring degrees, diplomas, certificates and other awards.
Mr. Aregbesola, while congratulating the new Chancellor, said Mrs. Alakija’s antecedent and sterling qualities as a God-fearing woman, a person of honour, integrity and successful business woman would no doubt impact positively on the running of Osun State University.
The governor pointed out that the government of Osun would look forward to a great working relationship with the new Chancellor as she leads Osun State University, Osogbo, to a new height of excellence.
“I wish to inform you, that the investiture is expected to hold during the 4th Convocation ceremony of the institution, proposed to come up on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th February, 2016.
“While congratulating you once again, please accept the assurance of best regards of the people and Government of Osun”.
In her acceptance letter addressed to the governor, Mrs Alakija said, “It is with pleasure that I receive and accept the appointment as the chancellor of the University of Osun State. I pray for God’s grace and strength to execute my duties as Chancellor of the University during my five-year tenure.”