FG adopts TASUED as federal university
…As Abiodun hails Tinubu
Omobolaji Adekunle
The Federal Government has officially adopted Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State, as a federal university, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s education sector.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the transition on Friday, following an invitation from the Ogun State Government to take over the institution, one of the state’s premier educational assets.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the decision in a statement on Sunday, noting that the adoption aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening teacher education and improving instructional quality across all educational levels.
President Tinubu emphasised that the move serves as a tribute to Chief Obafemi Awolowo—who pioneered the free education programme in Western Nigeria—and Dr Tai Solarin, a lifelong educator who founded Mayflower School in Ikenne.
“This is also in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland, who played a critical role in preventing the university’s closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment,” Tinubu stated.
TASUED, established in 2005 by the Ogun State Government, is Nigeria’s first specialised university of education and is located in the Eastern Senatorial District of Ogun, which comprises Ijebu and Remo. It will now become the first Federal Government-owned tertiary institution in the region.
With this conversion, TASUED joins Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, and Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, as one of only three federal universities of education in Nigeria.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun welcomed the Federal Government’s decision, describing it as a transformative step for the university.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun highlighted the state government’s continuous support for TASUED, ensuring its growth and sustainability.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education, noting that TASUED would continue to serve as a centre of excellence in teacher training.
The Federal Government’s adoption of TASUED is expected to enhance infrastructure development, increase funding, and boost national recognition for the institution.
President Tinubu stressed that the transition aligns with his administration’s vision to improve teacher training and educational standards nationwide. He reiterated that investing in high-quality teacher training is a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s human capital development strategy.
TASUED’s transition is part of a broader initiative by the Federal Government to expand access to specialised teacher training institutions. In recent years, seven new federal universities of education have been established, including:
Federal University of Education, Kano, Kano State; Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna StateAdeyemi University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State; Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State; Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State; Federal University of Education, Kontagora, Niger State.
The conversion of TASUED marks another significant step in Nigeria’s push to improve education quality and teacher training, reinforcing Ogun State’s status as a key hub for academic excellence.
