The Federal Government has officially adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State, as a Federal University.
President Tinubu approved the adoption on Friday and expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over the institution, which is considered one of the state’s most valuable educational assets.
This announcement was made in a statement released by the Presidency on Sunday.
“It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honor Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who initiated the revolutionary free education program in Western Nigeria, and Dr. Tai Solarin, who dedicated much of his life to educating our children and instilling lessons of patriotism and leadership at Mayflower School in Ikenne,” President Tinubu said.
He also acknowledged the significant role played by the Awujale of Ijebuland in preventing the university’s closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment.
President Tinubu highlighted that the transition of TASUED into a Federal University of Education is a crucial step in the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening teacher education and improving the quality of education at all levels. He noted that TASUED’s well-developed infrastructure and academic programs will ensure a smooth transition with minimal federal investment.
Established in 2005 by the Ogun State Government, TASUED is Nigeria’s first specialized university of education. It was named in honor of Dr. Tai Solarin, a renowned educator and activist, and the founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne. As a federal institution, TASUED will become the first federally owned tertiary institution in the Ogun East senatorial district.
Both Awolowo and Solarin were influential figures from the Ogun State Eastern Senatorial District, which includes the Ijebu and Remo regions.
With TASUED’s new status, the Federal Government now oversees three universities of education in Nigeria, joining Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo.
