TASUED converts to federal varsity as Ogun seeks fair distribution by district

The federal government has officially taken over the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ogun state.

TASUED, in Ijagun Ijebu-Ode, was established by the Ogun state government in 2005.

Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun state governor, officially announced a federal takeover at a news conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

He said the takeover followed a request by the state to ensure a more equitable distribution of federal institutions in the region.

Ogun State has three senatorial districts including Ogun Central, Ogun West, and Ogun East.

Ogun Central already has the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and key federal institutions.

In turn, Ogun West is home to the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

Ogun East, before this takeover, had federal secondary schools but lacked a federal tertiary institution.

Converting TASUED into a federal university, the government said, corrects this “imbalance”.

Abiodun said the decision would attract additional funding and enhance TASUED’s standing as a centre of academic excellence.

“When I assumed office, I pledged fairness, justice, and equity. In reviewing the distribution of federal institutions in Ogun state, it became clear that Ogun East senatorial district lacked a federal tertiary institution,” he said.

The governor explained that instead of establishing a new federal university, which would require significant resources, the state government proposed the conversion of TASUED.

He said the proposal was submitted for approval to President Bola Tinubu by the ministry of education in July 2023.

“This decision was deliberate and purposeful. We asked for it,” the governor stated.

Abiodun assured the federal government that TASUED was a well-established university that his administration had continued to support and develop since 2019.

“I can confidently say that what they have adopted is one of the best universities in Nigeria. We have provided continuous support to maintain its standing among the country’s top institutions,” he said.

The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the takeover, acknowledging the historical significance of the move.