The Federal Government has officially adopted Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a federal institution in Ijagun, Ogun State. This was approved by President Bola Tinubu on Friday to improve Teacher education and enhance the quality of instruction across Nigeria. The university was established in 2005 by the Ogun State Government as Nigeria’s first specialised university of education and named after the renowned activist and educator, Dr. Tai Solarin. The institution has long been a beacon of academic excellence and a symbol of Ogun State’s educational commitment.
Furthermore, this transition is a strategic step in the government’s broader agenda to strengthen teacher training and improve educational standards nationwide. President Tinubu, in a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over the institution. He emphasised that the move is a tribute to the legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who pioneered free education in Western Nigeria, and Dr. Tai Solarin’s contributions to education and nation-building. Additionally, Tinubu acknowledged the role of the Awujale of Ijebuland in ensuring the university’s survival during a critical period in 2012.
Challenges faced by TASUED before official adoption.
Despite its strategic importance and reputation as a center of excellence, TASUED has faced numerous challenges over the years. Limited funding, inadequate facilities, and a lack of access to research grants have hindered its ability to compete with other federal universities and well-funded institutions. These issues have sometimes threatened the institution’s ability to fulfill its mandate of producing highly qualified educators for the nation. The Ogun State Government, while committed to the institution’s growth, has struggled to provide the necessary resources to address these challenges fully.
Therefore, the adoption by the Federal Government is expected to alleviate many of these issues. With increased funding and access to public resources, the academic organisation is poised to transform significantly. The school’s already well-developed Infrastructure will likely see further improvements, while its academic programs will benefit from enhanced support and investment. This transition is a lifeline for the school and a testament to the national Government’s recognition of teacher education’s critical role in national development.
Ogun State’s government response to the national takeover.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to adopt TASUED, viewing it as a positive development that will bring about much-needed transformation. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Governor Dapo Abiodun noted the state government’s sustained efforts to ensure the university’s Sustainability and growth. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to educational advancement, emphasising that TASUED will continue to serve as a center of excellence in teacher education.
Governor Abiodun also expressed confidence that the national takeover will elevate TASUED’s status and enhance its capacity to contribute to the nation’s educational goals. The move aligns with Ogun State’s broader vision of becoming a hub for academic excellence across the country. By handing over TASUED to the national government, the state has demonstrated its willingness to prioritise the institution’s long-term success over regional ownership, a decision that stakeholders in the education sector have widely applauded.
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As a federal institution, TASUED will join the ranks of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo as one of only three specialised universities of education in Nigeria. This exclusive status underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening high-quality teacher training and improving educational outcomes nationwide. The adoption of TASUED also aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of advancing Nigeria’s human capital development, recognising that the quality of education is intrinsically linked to the quality of teachers.