FG, Ogun Seal TASUED Takeover As University Goes Federal

Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting

THE Ogun State Government and the Federal Government have formally completed the transfer of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, to federal ownership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU was signed by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the university’s 17th Convocation Ceremony held on its Ijagun campus.

The event, which also featured the conferment of honorary degrees and the presentation of prizes, officially marked the institution’s transition into a federal university, now renamed Tai Solarin Federal University of Education.

At the ceremony, an honorary Doctor of Science in Childhood Education (D.Sc. Ed, Honoris Causa) was conferred on the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, received an honorary Doctor of Science in Political Science, while Governor Abiodun was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science in Education Management.

Speaking at the event, Dr Ahmad said the Federal Government’s decision to take over the institution in March 2025 was deliberate, strategic and driven by national interest.

She stressed that no nation could rise above the quality of its teachers, adding that sustainable development depends largely on sustained investment in education.

“The signing of this MoU formally confirms the transition of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education into the federal university system, underscoring our shared commitment to institutional stability, staff welfare, students’ interests and sustainable growth,” she said.

According to her, the takeover aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which prioritises educational reforms aimed at strengthening institutions, investing in human capital and promoting equity and inclusiveness within the sector.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described the federal takeover as a major step towards promoting national equity through a more balanced distribution of federal institutions across the country.

He noted that the transition also honours the legacies of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, all of whom made enduring contributions to education and regional development.

“This occasion formally marks the release and handover of the erstwhile Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, to its new owners — the Federal Government of Nigeria. Henceforth, it shall be known as the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education,” he said.

Highlighting his administration’s commitment to education, the governor disclosed that Ogun State had allocated N275.4 billion to the education sector in its 2026 budget to expand access to quality learning, reduce inequality and ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of background, tribe or religion.

“I hereby formally declare that Ogun State has released the former TASUED to the Federal Government, along with all authorities and responsibilities appertaining to its new status as a federal institution,” Abiodun added.

Responding on behalf of the honorary award recipients, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, expressed gratitude to the university for the honour. She also announced a N50 million endowment fund for the overall best graduating female student, noting that the initiative would support beneficiaries for many years.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Rahamon Bello, commended the Federal Government for addressing industrial unrest in public universities, citing the recent MoU reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a positive step towards lasting stability in the university system.

Also speaking, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, thanked the Ogun State Government for ensuring a smooth and seamless transition of the institution to federal ownership, adding that the university has maintained 100 per cent accreditation for all its academic programmes.