The Federal Government on Friday, has adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State as a Federal University.
Established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, TASUED holds the distinguished position as Nigeria’s first specialised university of education and was named after Dr Tai Solarin, a revered activist and the founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne.
As a federal institution, TASUED will be the first federally owned tertiary school in Ogun East senatorial district. With a well-developed infrastructure and academic programme, the transition requires minimal federal investment.
President Bola Tinubu approved the adoption on Friday and thanked the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over the school, one of the state’s best educational assets.
“It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who began the revolutionary free education programme in Western Nigeria and Dr Tai Solarin, who spent most of his life educating our children and impacting patriotic and leadership lessons in them at Mayflower School in Ikenne”, Tinubu said.
“It is also in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland, who played a critical role in preventing the university’s closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment,” he added.
According to the statement released by the Presidency recalled that Awolowo and Solarin were celebrated figures from the Eastern Senatorial District of Ogun State, encompassing Ijebu and Remo.
The President emphasised that TASUED’s transition into a Federal University of Education is a strategic step in the Federal Government’s commitment to bolster teacher education and enhance the quality of instruction across all educational levels.
With TASUED’s new status, the Federal Government oversees three education universities. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo are the country’s other two universities of education.In response, the Ogun State Government has praised the Federal Government for adopting TASUED as a federal institution, describing it as a move expected to enhance growth and sustainability.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described the transition as a positive transformation for Nigeria’s first specialized university of education.
The Governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to educational advancement ensuring TASUED remains a center of excellence in teacher education.The adoption aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to strengthen teacher training and enhance educational standards.
TASUED is now among seven newly established Federal Universities of Education, alongside institutions in Kano, Zaria, Ondo, Owerri, Pankshin, and Kontagora.
The transition is expected to boost funding, improve infrastructure, and elevate TASUED’s national recognition, further solidifying Ogun State’s reputation as an academic hub.
