FG Adopts TASUED as Federal University

The Federal Government has officially adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, as a Federal University, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s education sector.

Established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, TASUED is Nigeria’s first specialized university of education, named in honor of Dr. Tai Solarin, a renowned activist and founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne. With its transition to a federal institution, TASUED becomes the first federally owned tertiary institution in Ogun East Senatorial District.

Given its existing infrastructure and strong academic programs, the transition is expected to require minimal federal investment while expanding the Federal Government’s reach in teacher education.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved the adoption on Friday, expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for facilitating the takeover.

“It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who began the revolutionary free education programme in Western Nigeria, and Dr Tai Solarin, who spent most of his life educating our children and impacting patriotic and leadership lessons in them at Mayflower School in Ikenne,” President Tinubu stated.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Awujale of Ijebuland, whose intervention in 2012 played a crucial role in keeping TASUED from shutting down just seven years after its establishment.

“It 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 added.

TASUED federalization aligns with the government’s strategy to improve teacher education and instructional quality nationwide. With this addition, Nigeria now has seven federal universities of education, including Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (Owerri), Adeyemi Federal University of Education (Ondo), and the Federal University of Education (Kano), among others.

The transition raises hopes for increased funding, improved administration, and broader national impact. However, education stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure the change delivers tangible benefits beyond just a change in status.