Ogun Hands Over Tai Solarin Federal University of Education to FG

The Ogun State Government has formally handed over the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, to the Federal Government, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s teacher education and institutional development drive.

The handover was sealed on Thursday during the institution’s 17th convocation ceremony with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Federal Government’s representative, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.

The development officially consolidates the university’s transition into the federal university system, following the Federal Government’s earlier decision in March 2025 to adopt the institution as part of efforts to strengthen teacher education nationwide.

The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Abiodun; and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba. The First Lady was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima.

Speaking at the ceremony, Abiodun described the takeover as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s human capital development and ensuring balanced distribution of federal educational institutions across the country. He noted that the elevation of the institution reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving legacy educational institutions and expanding access to quality teacher training.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the transition, noting that the move would boost infrastructure development, academic standards, and institutional growth.

The governor also highlighted the historical contributions of education icons such as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo, and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to the survival and growth of the institution.

Originally established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, TASUED holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first specialised university of education and was named after renowned educationist Dr Tai Solarin.

At the convocation, the First Lady also announced a N50 million endowment fund aimed at supporting the best graduating female students over a 10-year period, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to girl-child education and inclusive learning opportunities.