The Ogun State Government and the Federal Government have officially concluded the transfer of ownership of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, to the Federal Government following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU was executed by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the institution’s 17th Convocation Ceremony held on the university campus.
The ceremony, which featured the conferment of honorary degrees and presentation of prizes, formally signalled the institution’s transformation into a federal university, now to be known as Tai Solarin Federal University of Education.
During the event, the university awarded an honorary Doctor of Science in Childhood Education (D.Sc. Ed, Honoris Causa) to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science in Political Science, while Governor Abiodun received an honorary Doctor of Science in Education Management.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ahmad explained that the Federal Government’s decision to assume ownership of the institution in March 2025 was a purposeful and strategic move anchored on national interest.
She said the takeover reflects the belief of the Federal Government that the strength of any nation is directly linked to the quality of its teachers, adding that sustained investment in education remains central to national development.
“The signing of this MoU formally confirms the integration of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education into the federal university system and reinforces our collective commitment to institutional stability, staff welfare, students’ interests and sustainable growth,” she stated.
According to her, the development is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which places priority on educational reforms, human capital development and inclusive growth.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described the federal takeover as a major milestone that would enhance national equity through a more balanced spread of federal institutions.
He noted that the transition also pays tribute to the enduring legacies of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, late Chief Bisi Onabanjo and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, who championed education and development.
“Today formally marks the release and handover of the former Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Consequently, the institution shall now be known as Tai Solarin Federal University of Education,” Abiodun said.
The governor further disclosed that Ogun State earmarked ₦275.4 billion for the education sector in its 2026 budget to improve access to quality education, reduce inequality and ensure inclusiveness.
“I hereby declare that Ogun State has released the former TASUED to the Federal Government with all authorities and responsibilities attached to its new status,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the honorary award recipients, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, thanked the university for the honour.
She also announced a ₦50 million endowment fund for the overall best graduating female student, noting that the initiative would support beneficiaries over many years.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Rahamon Bello, lauded the Federal Government for steps taken to resolve industrial disputes in public universities, referencing the recent MoU with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a positive development.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, in his address, appreciated the Ogun State Government for facilitating a smooth transition and reaffirmed that the university maintains 100 per cent accreditation across all its academic programmes.
