Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government has commended the Federal Government for adopting Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a federal institution, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s first specialized university of education.
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the transition as a transformative step that will enhance the university’s growth and impact. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the governor highlighted Ogun State’s sustained efforts in ensuring TASUED’s sustainability. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational advancement, emphasizing that TASUED will continue to serve as a centre of excellence in teacher education.
The statement reads: “The Federal Government has officially adopted TASUED as a federal university, recognizing its crucial role in teacher education and honoring the contributions of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Tai Solarin to Nigeria’s educational development.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the transition on Friday following an appeal from the Ogun State Government. He also acknowledged the intervention of the Awujale of Ijebuland, whose efforts were instrumental in preventing TASUED’s closure in 2012.
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The transition is expected to attract increased federal funding, enhance infrastructure development, and boost the university’s national recognition, further cementing Ogun State’s status as a hub for academic excellence.
With this development, TASUED joins Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education and Adeyemi Federal University of Education as one of only three specialized universities of education in Nigeria.
This move aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to strengthen teacher training and improve educational standards nationwide. It also reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to human capital development, recognizing that quality education is heavily dependent on well-trained teachers.
TASUED’s adoption brings to seven the number of new federal universities of education established in recent years. The other institutions include:
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
Federal University of Education, Kontagora, Niger State
The Ogun State Government expressed optimism that the transition would unlock new opportunities for TASUED, benefiting students, faculty, and the nation’s education sector at large.