The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has informed the people of Ijesa that the University of Ilesa and the Ilesa Water Project are staying.

He reiterated his administration's commitment to transform the former College of Education into a cutting-edge, world-class university, as promised during his 2018 election campaign.

After allegedly ignoring the project for three years, the former administration of Gboyega Oyetola rushed the upgrade of the College of Education at the end of his term, as Governor Adeleke noted, could best be described as a political project aimed at deceiving the people of Ijesa land.

Adeleke stated, "I am here to access the actual state of the University of Ilesa and rub minds with our people on moving Ijesha forward," when he addressed employees and students of the institution during an evaluation tour of the university. He also wanted to connect with the people of Ijesa about his larger plans for the region and the people.

“The committee that I set up to review the process of the upgrade had submitted its report and my visit is the last stage of action before I will issue a white paper on the next line of action. This University has come to stay.”

Governor Adeleke also took advantage of the occasion to inform the people of Ijesa land about the Ilesa Water Project and the negative effects of the previous administration's illegal mining activities in the region, including water pollution, environmental degradation, and income leakage.

“We have since set up a Joint Committee with the Ministry of Water Resources. The contract will be re-advertised after an out of court settlement with all the stakeholders involved in the project,” the governor stated.

The governor went on to explain to the people of Ijesa how the previous APC administration encouraged illegal mining activities on and near Ijesa land, resulting in serious environmental degradation, water pollution, and a lack of much-needed revenue for the state from mining.

“The APC government encouraged illegal mining in the state. This has caused serious pollution of our water.The Water Minister confirmed to me that Ilesa underground water source is polluted.

“The state also lost several billions of Naira that should have been earned as IGR if the mining activities were done properly”, Governor Adeleke declared.

“The committee I set up to review the activities of the illegal miners submitted their report yesterday. I am going through it and will soon issue the strategies that my administration will be using to address the water and environmental pollution caused by mining activities.

“I am confident that this will effectively clear the mess caused by the APC administration in Ijesa land,” he noted.

In the interim, the advisory group set up by Adeleke to survey matters emerging from the College of Ilesa informed staff and understudies of the organization during the lead representative's review.

Prof. Taiwo Ashaolu, who served as Chairman of the Review Committee, stated, "The process of appointment must follow the existing law, and the university should begin with eight faculties, namely; Management sciences, social sciences, science, technology, and innovation, humanities and cultures, agriculture and agricultural business, and basic medical sciences are all included in this category.