UNIOSUN Chancellor Appointment sees Governor Adeleke name BOVAS founder Victoria Samson as new Chancellor

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed businesswoman Victoria Samson, popularly known as “BOVAS,” as the new Chancellor of Osun State University in Osogbo.

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The appointment was announced on May 10, 2026, following the completion of the tenure of outgoing Chancellor Folorunso Alakija, who served the institution from 2016 to 2026.

In a statement issued by the Osun State Government spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the administration described the UNIOSUN Chancellor Appointment as the beginning of a fresh leadership era for the university.

Mrs Samson is the founder of BOVAS Oil and Gas and is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential female entrepreneurs in the downstream petroleum sector.

Governor Adeleke praised Apostle Alakija for her decade of service to the university, highlighting her enduring contributions to academic and infrastructural development.

The governor particularly commended the donation of the multi-billion naira Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital to the institution, describing it as a lasting legacy.

Speaking on Mrs Samson’s appointment, Adeleke described the entrepreneur as a symbol of integrity, honesty and humanity whose business achievements have positively impacted consumers and the wider society.

The newly appointed Chancellor, an indigene of Iree in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, has built BOVAS Oil and Gas from a single filling station into a nationwide network of more than 200 outlets employing over 2,000 Nigerians.

Mrs Samson also holds the Texaco Petroleum franchise and became the first Nigerian to win the Texaco Latin America and West Africa Award for Best Overall Dealer in 1990.

Beyond her business accomplishments, she has served in several industry leadership positions, including as Matron of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and a Board of Trustees member of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association.

Her academic and executive training includes a Professional Diploma in Marketing, a leadership programme at Harvard Business School and executive education at IESE Business School in Barcelona.

Congratulating the new Chancellor, Adeleke said her record of service and integrity remained a source of pride for Osun State.

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The UNIOSUN Chancellor Appointment is expected to strengthen the university’s leadership as the institution continues its academic expansion and infrastructural growth.