Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has successfully installed Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, popularly known as Mama BOVAS, as its Third Chancellor. The colourful investiture ceremony took place on Monday, 6th July 2026, at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, Osogbo Main Campus.
This landmark event marks a new chapter in the university’s journey toward greater academic excellence, infrastructural development, and global competitiveness.
Historic Investiture of UNIOSUN’s New Chancellor
The ceremony was graced by top dignitaries, including Osun State Governor and Visitor to the University, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Deputy Governor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and other prominent personalities from the public and private sectors.
Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, the founder and Group Managing Director of BOVAS Oil & Gas, takes over from Chief Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, whose impactful 10-year tenure ended in March 2026. She becomes the third Chancellor of UNIOSUN, following the late Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II (2007–2014) and Apostle Folorunso Alakija (2016–2026).
Governor Adeleke’s Charge and Commissioning of Projects
In his address, Governor Adeleke described the investiture as “a celebration of continuity, visionary leadership, and our collective resolve to strengthen one of the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria.” He expressed confidence that Mama BOVAS’s wealth of experience will usher in a new era of excellence and institutional advancement.
The Governor also used the occasion to commission several landmark projects, including:
- Sports Complex
- Laboratory Complex
- 750-capacity Lecture Theatre
- 500-capacity Lecture Hall
- Ongoing internal road constructions across campuses
These projects demonstrate the state government’s commitment to repositioning UNIOSUN as a world-class institution.
Governor Adeleke Praises Immediate Past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija
Governor Ademola Adeleke took time to specially honour the immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, whose ten-year tenure significantly elevated the profile and status of Osun State University.
It is fitting to pause to honour an exceptional woman whose tenure as Chancellor has left an enduring imprint on the university. Our immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, served this institution with uncommon grace, generosity and commitment. Through her exemplary leadership and philanthropy, she elevated the profile of Osun State University and made contributions that will remain visible for generations to come. The establishment of the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital fully funded by the Alakija Family is a monumental legacy that has transformed the university’s medical education, research capacity and healthcare delivery. Beyond infrastructure, she inspired hope, promoted excellence and demonstrated that true leadership is measured by the lives one touches and the legacy one leaves behind.
– Senator Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State
The Governor expressed profound appreciation to Mama Alakija for her selfless service, steadfast support, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of education and humanity. He noted that her remarkable legacy shall remain an integral part of the history of Osun State University.
Profile of Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson (Mama BOVAS)
Born on 5th December 1949 in Iree, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, Mrs. Samson is a trailblazing entrepreneur with over four decades of experience in the downstream oil and gas sector.
Key highlights of her distinguished career:
- Founder of BOVAS Oil & Gas, which has grown from a single filling station to over 200 petroleum service stations nationwide, employing more than 2,000 Nigerians.
- First Nigerian to win the prestigious Texaco Latin America and West Africa Award for Best Overall Dealer in 1990.
- Professional Diploma in Marketing.
- Alumni of Harvard Business School (Leadership Programme for Family Businesses, 2013) and IESE Business School, Barcelona.
Widely respected for her integrity, philanthropy, and business acumen, Mama BOVAS brings strategic networks, ethical leadership, and a strong commitment to human capital development to her new role.
Vice-Chancellor’s Remarks
Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, warmly welcomed the new Chancellor, describing her appointment as “a round peg in a round hole.” He highlighted her impeccable reputation, vast experience, and potential to enhance the university’s webometric ranking and push UNIOSUN into the top 10 universities in Nigeria within the next five years.
New Chancellor’s Vision and Pledge
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson expressed gratitude to Governor Adeleke and the university community. She pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to build on the strong foundations laid by her predecessors and elevate UNIOSUN to greater heights.
We must also collaborate to effectively improve the webometric ranking of this University. We must ensure all hands are on deck to bring UNIOSUN to the class of top 10 in Nigeria in the next five years. I strongly believe this is achievable.
– Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, Chancellor, Osun State University
A New Era of Excellence at UNIOSUN
This investiture reinforces UNIOSUN’s steady growth – from 649 students and 19 programmes at inception to over 42,000 students and 108 academic programmes today, including a full-fledged College of Health Sciences and the world-class Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital.
Osun State University remains committed to producing globally competitive graduates and advancing research, innovation, and community development.