The Federal Government has officially adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State, transforming it into a Federal University.
President Tinubu granted approval for this transition on Friday and expressed his gratitude to the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over the institution, which is considered one of the state’s top educational assets. This information was shared in a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday.
President Tinubu highlighted that the move provides an opportunity to honor Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who initiated the groundbreaking free education program in Western Nigeria, and Dr. Tai Solarin, who dedicated much of his life to educating children and instilling values of patriotism and leadership at Mayflower School in Ikenne.
He also acknowledged the role of the Awujale of Ijebuland, who was instrumental in preventing the university’s closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment.
The President stressed that TASUED’s transition to a Federal University of Education is a strategic step to strengthen teacher education and improve the quality of teaching across all educational levels. With its well-established infrastructure and academic programs, the transition will require minimal federal investment.
Founded in 2005 by the Ogun State Government, TASUED is Nigeria’s first specialized university of education. The institution is named after Dr. Tai Solarin, a renowned activist and founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne. As a federal university, TASUED will be the first federally owned tertiary institution in the Ogun East senatorial district.
Both Awolowo and Solarin were significant figures from the Eastern Senatorial District of Ogun State, which includes Ijebu and Remo.
With this change in status, TASUED will join Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo as one of the three federally-operated universities of education in Nigeria.
