By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
ABEOKUTA:The Ogun State Government has commended the Federal Government for its decision to adopt the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a federal institution.
TASUED, the premier education varsity in the country was established in January, 2005 during the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel when he elevated Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE) set up in 1987 to provide middle level manpower to full – fledged University.
But barely a year after he came to power, Daniel’s successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun moved to scrap TASUED and merge it with the faculty of education of the state – owned Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago-Iwoye, but following spirited residence from the people, especially the Ijebus, Amosun beat a hurried retreat and rescind his decision on TASUED.
However, reacting on Sunday evening to the FG’s resolve to adopt it as federal university of education, Governor Abiodun, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said that the move by the Federal Government will bring positive transformation to the specialized institution.
He highlighted the Ogun State Government’s sustained efforts in ensuring TASUED’s sustainability and growth.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational advancement, emphasizing that TASUED will continue to serve as a centre of excellence in teacher education.
The Federal Government had officially adopted TASUED as a Federal University, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s first specialized university of education.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the transition on Friday, following an invitation from the Ogun State Government.
The President emphasized that the decision recognizes TASUED’s crucial role in teacher education and serves as a tribute to the contributions of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Tai Solarin to Nigeria’s educational development.
He also acknowledged the intervention of the Awujale of Ijebuland, whose efforts were instrumental in preventing the university’s closure in 2012.
The transition is expected to attract increased funding, enhance infrastructure development, and elevate TASUED’s national recognition, further solidifying Ogun State’s status as a hub for academic excellence in Nigeria.
With this transition, TASUED joins Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education and Adeyemi Federal University of Education as one of only three universities of education in the country.
The adoption also aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to strengthen teacher training and improve educational standards nationwide as part of President Tinubu’s intense commitment to advancing Nigeria Human Capital development and increasing the quality of education which depends on several factors, including deepening high quality Teacher training.
The adoption of TASUED now brings to seven, the number of new Universities of Education that the Federal Government has added in the last few years to the previously existing ones.
These Universities are: Federal University of Education, Kano, Kano State, Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State, Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State, Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State and the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, Niger State.
Also, former governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for adopting Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State as a Federal University.
Daniel said the landmark decision represents a watershed moment for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District, who have long anticipated the establishment of a federally-owned tertiary institution in the region.
Daniel stated in a statement he personally sighed.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for the historic adoption of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a Federal University.
“This landmark decision represents a watershed moment for the people of Ogun East Senatorial District, who have long anticipated the establishment of a federally-owned tertiary institution in our region. The federalization of TASUED, Nigeria’s first specialized university of education established in 2005 under our administration, fulfills this aspiration while honoring our rich educational heritage.
“President Tinubu’s approval demonstrates his administration’s commitment to educational development and equitable distribution of federal institutions across Nigeria. By adopting TASUED, the Federal Government of Nigeria has restored the hope of funding for the institution, an intervention which ensured the university’s continued existence and evolution to a greater status.
“This Federal Government strategic acquisition aligns with our vision of strengthening teacher education and enhance instructional quality across all educational levels nationwide.
“On behalf of the good people of Ogun East Senatorial District, I express our deepest appreciation to President Tinubu for this consideration.”
