President Bola Tinubu has approved the adoption of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, as a federal university.
The adoption follows an invitation from the Ogun State Government.
Founded in 2005 by the Ogun State Government, TASUED is Nigeria’s first specialized university of education and is named after the renowned educator and activist, Dr. Tai Solarin.
With its transition to a federal institution, it becomes the first federally owned tertiary school in Ogun East senatorial district..
Tinubu, while making the announcement on Friday, commended the Ogun State Government for allowing the Federal Government to take over the institution.
He described the move as a tribute to key figures in Nigeria’s educational history.
“It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who pioneered free education in Western Nigeria, and Dr. Tai Solarin, who dedicated his life to shaping young minds at Mayflower School,” Tinubu stated.
He also acknowledged the role of the Awujale of Ijebuland in preventing the closure of the university in 2012, just seven years after its establishment.
With this development, TASUED joins Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo as the third federally owned university dedicated to teacher education.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Government has commended the Federal Government for its decision to adopt the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a federal institution.
Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the commendation in a statement on Sunday.
In the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the governor 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.
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.
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. (vitalnewsngr.com)
