The Ogun State government has commended the Federal Government for adopting the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a federal institution. Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a statement, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the move would bring positive transformation to the specialised institution. He highlighted the state government’s sustained efforts in ensuring TASUED’s sustainability and growth.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s zeal for educational advancement, stating that TASUED will continue to serve as a centre of excellence in teacher education.

The Federal Government had officially adopted TASUED as a federal university, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s first specialised university of education.

President Bola Tinubu approved the transition on Friday, following an invitation from the Ogun State government. The President stressed that the decision recognises TASUED’s crucial role in teacher education, and serves as a tribute to the contributions of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Tai Solarin to the country’s educational development.

He also acknowledged the intervention of the Awujale of Ijebuland, whose efforts were instrumental in preventing the university’s closure in 2012.

The transition is to attract increased funding, enhance infrastructure development, and elevate TASUED’s national recognition, further solidifying Ogun State’s status as a hub for academic excellence in the country.

With the transition, TASUED joins Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education and Adeyemi Federal University of Education as one of only three universities of education in Nigeria.

The adoption also aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to strengthen teacher training and improve educational standards nationwide as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the nation’s human capital development, and increasing the quality of education which depends on several factors, including deepening high-quality teacher training.

TASUED’s conversion now brings to seven, the number of new universities of education that the Federal Government has added in the last few years to previous ones.

They are the Federal University of Education, Kano, Kano State; Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State; Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State; Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State; Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, and the Federal University of Education, Kontagora, Niger State.