President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State, into a Federal University.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who stated that Tinubu granted the approval on Friday.
Established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, TASUED holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first specialized university of education. Named after Dr. Tai Solarin, a renowned activist and founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne, the institution has played a key role in advancing teacher education in the country.
With this transition, TASUED becomes the first federally owned tertiary institution in Ogun East senatorial district. The university already boasts well-developed infrastructure and academic programs, meaning the federal takeover will require minimal investment.
In his statement, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over one of the state’s most valuable educational institutions. He noted that the decision also honors Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who pioneered the revolutionary free education program in Western Nigeria, and Dr. Tai Solarin, who dedicated his life to educating young Nigerians and instilling patriotism and leadership values.
Tinubu also acknowledged the role of the Awujale of Ijebuland in preventing the university’s closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment. He emphasized that elevating TASUED to a Federal University of Education aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen teacher education and improve the quality of instruction at all levels.
With TASUED’s new status, Nigeria now has three federal universities of education, alongside Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo.
