The announcement was made on Monday, January 3, 2022, in Osogbo, Osun State.
Professor Adebooye's appointment followed a due process of rigorous screening carried out by the school's Governing Council, and approval by the Visitor to the University, His Excellency Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
According to a statement released by the University's Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the newly appointed substantive Vice-Chancellor who was born on 18th December 1966 is a professor of Plant Physiology with an academic career spanning over 26 years. During his over two decades of academic work he served the Osun State University in various capacities: as a member of the Governing Council, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Provost/Dean, Director, Head of Department among others.
At the international level, he served as Ambassador Scientist for the German Government Humboldt Foundation, Secretary-General of the African-German Network Excellence in Science (AGNES) and Regional Project Coordinator for the Government of Canada Projects in West Africa.
He has also been a Visiting Professor at many universities in Nigeria, Germany, Canada and provides services for the United Nations.
He has utilized nine (9)fully-funded international research fellowships worldwide including the highly prestigious United Nations University Fellowship, Germany and won 25 research grants with over 100 travel grants.
The Council Chairman, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN while announcing the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University thanked the Visitor and Governor of the state for his consistent support which has made the University one of the fastest-growing universities in the country.
“I am happy that despite the controversies surrounding the appointment process, the Council was able to exert rigorous efforts and sacrifice in the appointment procedures, which culminated in the appointment of Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye. We believe that he possesses the attributes to move the University forward and write a fresh chapter in the journey to achieve the dreams of the founding fathers of the University", he said.
He urged the school's Senate, management team and staff, to maintain peace and cooperate with the new Vice-Chancellor.