Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has shed light on the Federal Government’s decision to turn Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) into a federal institution. According to Abiodun, this move aims to ensure a fair distribution of federal universities in Ogun State.
Established in 2005 by the Ogun State Government, TASUED has grown significantly over the years. The governor emphasized that the takeover is not only about balance but also about attracting more funding to make TASUED a model center of academic excellence in Nigeria.
Abiodun explained that when he assumed office, he prioritized fairness, justice, and equity. He realized that having a federal institution in each district would be ideal. Since starting a new federal institution from scratch is challenging due to funding constraints, Abiodun decided to present TASUED as an option for federal takeover.
The governor highlighted the significance of TASUED’s location in Ogun East Senatorial District, where renowned educationist Dr. Tai Solarin and the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo hailed from. This takeover will provide Ogun East with a tertiary institution owned by the Federal Government.
Abiodun revealed that he and his team thoroughly searched for the best option and presented TASUED to the Federal Government in July last year. The Minister of Education carried out due diligence before passing the memo to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approval.
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The governor assured that the takeover was intentional, deliberate, and purposeful. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the request, ensuring TASUED becomes a federal institution.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, noted that the takeover will give TASUED more leverage in terms of access to funds, facilities, and manpower. This will enable the institution to receive more Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) every year, facilitating research and educational development.
Abiodun emphasized that the creation of TASUED as a federal institution goes beyond parochial interests, as it will serve the educational needs of Nigeria as a whole. He assured the President and Federal Ministry of Education that they are inheriting a standard and first-class university.
The governor concluded by expressing his confidence in TASUED’s potential to become a model center of academic excellence, thanks to the Federal Government’s takeover.
