The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the adoption of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State, as a Federal University.
Founded in 2005 by the Ogun State Government, TASUED is notable for being Nigeria’s first specialized university of education. It is named after Dr. Tai Solarin, a well-respected activist and founder of the Mayflower School in Ikenne.
As a federal institution, TASUED will become the first federally owned university in the Ogun East senatorial district. The existing infrastructure and academic programs at TASUED are well-established, meaning that the transition to a federal university will require minimal investment from the federal government.
In a press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the decision on Friday. He expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for inviting the federal government to take over the school, describing it as one of the state’s important educational assets.
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In his statement, President Tinubu said, “It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honor Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who began the revolutionary free education program in Western Nigeria, and Dr. Tai Solarin, who dedicated his life to educating our children and instilling leadership values in them at Mayflower School.”
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Awujale of Ijebuland, who played a key role in preventing the university’s closure in 2012, just seven years after it was established.
Both Awolowo and Solarin are celebrated figures in the Eastern Senatorial District of Ogun State, which includes Ijebu and Remo.
President Tinubu highlighted that converting TASUED into a Federal University of Education aligns with the government’s commitment to improve teacher education and enhance the quality of education throughout Nigeria.
With TASUED’s new status, the Federal Government now oversees seven universities dedicated to education, including Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri, Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo, and Federal University of Education in Kano, among others.
