Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that the state’s request to the Federal Government to take over the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, to become a federal institution, was to ensure balance in the distribution of federal educational institutions in the state and attract more funding, so as to make it a model center of academic excellence in the country.
Giving details of the events that led to the takeover of the university, with newsmen in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said after thorough searches, TASUED was chosen and the idea of adopting the institution by the federal government was presented to President Tinubu for approval.
“When I assumed office, I stated that we would be fair, just, and equitable. But when you look at the balance of these institutions, particularly federal institutions, you realise that it is ideal to have a federal institution in that particularly district, in addition to the existing ones in the other districts.
“I know that because of the paucity of funds, it is not easy for the federal government to start a greenfield institution, so I looked around and thought it would be best to present a request to our President to take over one of our foremost institutions in Ogun East.
“This way, beyond the Federal Government Girls’ College, Sagamu and the Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Ogun East can also have a tertiary institution that is owned by the federal government, particularly knowing fully well that our foremost educationist, Dr. Tai Solarin and the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, are from that part of Ogun State.”
He added that the national outlook of the institution would serve the educational needs of not only the citizens of the state but Nigeria as a whole, noting that besides the fact that it was located in Ogun East, it is also the premier university of education, named after one of the foremost educationists in Nigeria.
“This did not happen by accident; it was intentional, deliberate, and purposeful. We asked for it, and Mr. President, in his magnanimity, saw with us, accepted, and granted us the approval for this institution to become a federal institution.”
He assured the President and the Federal Ministry of Education that they were inheriting a standard and first-class university that his administration has continued to nurture and sustain since its inception in 2019.
“I can confidently say that what they have adopted is perhaps one of the best universities in this country because we ensured that we provided that university with support so that it continues to occupy its pride of place among the comity of universities.
“On behalf of the entire people of Ogun State, on behalf of the Awujale, who has also been desirous of a federal tertiary institution in Ogun East, on behalf of all that Tai Solarin stood for, and on behalf of what Chief Obafemi Awolowo fought for, which gave us a head start in the South-West and allowed most of us to be educated, I want to thank Mr. President for accepting to adopt this university”, he added.
Governor Abiodun paid glowing tributes to the initiator of free education scheme in the old Western Region, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as well as the late educationist, whom the school was named after, Dr. Tai Solarin, who used their God-given knowledge to bring quality education to the doorsteps of all Nigerians, irrespective of states of origin or religion.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the takeover of the school would give it more leverage in terms of access to more funds, facilities, and manpower.
The commissioner advised the institution to focus on its core mandates by becoming a center of excellence, capable of providing solutions to issues affecting educational development, noting that the nation would look up to it as a reference that provides direction on policies and programmes on education.
