RismadarVoice Reporters, May 10, 2026
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has appointed the founder of BOVAS Oil and Gas Company, Mrs Victoria Samson, popularly known as “BOVAS,” as the new Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo.
The appointment was announced on May 10, 2026, following the completion of the tenure of the outgoing Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, who served from 2016 to 2026.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson to the Osun State Government, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the appointment as the beginning of a new phase in the university’s leadership.
Governor Adeleke commended the outgoing Chancellor for her contributions to the institution, particularly the donation of the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital to the university.
“Her impact remains a living legacy, especially the donation of the multi-billion naira Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital to Osun State University,” the statement read.
The governor also praised Mrs Samson for her achievements in the business sector, describing her as a symbol of integrity, honesty and service to humanity.
“We recognise with appreciation your distinct effort to make life easy for consumers of petroleum products. We celebrate you and present you as a symbol of decency, honesty, integrity and humanity in our society,” Adeleke stated.
Mrs Samson, an indigene of Iree in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading female entrepreneurs in the downstream petroleum industry.
Under her leadership, BOVAS Oil and Gas reportedly expanded from a single filling station into a nationwide network of over 200 service stations employing more than 2,000 Nigerians as of December 2025.
She also holds the Texaco Petroleum franchise and became the first Nigerian to win the Texaco Latin America and West Africa (LAWA) Award for Best Overall Dealer in 1990.
Mrs Samson has served in several industry leadership positions, including as Matron of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and member of the Board of Trustees of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association (DAPPMA).
Her academic and executive training includes a Professional Diploma in Marketing, participation in a leadership programme at Harvard Business School and executive education at IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.
Congratulating her on the appointment, Adeleke said her record of integrity and service remained a source of pride to Osun State.
The appointment is expected to strengthen the leadership structure of Osun State University as the institution continues its academic and infrastructural development.
