The Federal Government (FG) has adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, as a federal university.
This transition makes TASUED the first federally owned tertiary institution in Ogun East Senatorial District.
TASUED, established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first specialised university of education.
It was named after Tai Solarin, a renowned educationist and activist best known for founding the Mayflower School in Ikenne.
President Bola Tinubu approved the takeover during the week, acknowledging Ogun State’s invitation to the FG to assume control of one of its top educational assets.
The transition is expected to require minimal federal investment due to TASUED’s existing infrastructure and well-structured academic programmes.
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Speaking on the development, President Tinubu highlighted the move as a tribute to Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Tai Solarin for their contributions to education in Nigeria.
“It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who pioneered the revolutionary free education programme in Western Nigeria, and Dr Tai Solarin, who dedicated his life to educating our children and instilling patriotic and leadership values at Mayflower School in Ikenne,” the President stated.
He also acknowledged the role of the Awujale of Ijebuland in ensuring the university’s survival when it faced the threat of closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment.
With TASUED’s conversion, the FG now manages seven universities of education across the country.
These include Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri, Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo, and the Federal University of Education in Kano.
Others are the Federal University of Education in Zaria, the Federal University of Education in Pankshin, Plateau State, and the Federal University of Education in Kontagora, Niger State.
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President Tinubu reaffirmed that TASUED’s transformation aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthening teacher education and improving learning quality at all levels.
