In a historic pivot for Nigeria’s educational sector, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), located in Ijagun, Ogun State, has officially transitioned into a federal institution. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the adoption on Friday, March 7, 2025, transforming TASUED from a state-run university into a federal university of education.
TASUED holds a unique place in Nigeria’s educational landscape. Established in 2005 by the Ogun State Government and named after the renowned educator and activist Dr. Tai Solarin, it stands as the nation’s first institution specialised entirely in teacher education. From its inception, TASUED has emphasised quality teaching, embedding vocational and entrepreneurial training into its curricula alongside academic instruction. Its transformation into a federal university reflects recognition of both its legacy and potential to further influence the country’s teacher training initiatives.
Why the shift matters
One driving factor behind this shift stemmed from the Ogun State Government’s vision to broaden federal presence in the region. Governor Dapo Abiodun publicly stated that the move ensured a fairer geographic distribution of federal tertiary institutions across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts. By elevating TASUED to federal status, Ogun East—home to Ijagun—now hosts its first federal tertiary institution, complementing existing federal secondary schools in Sagamu and Odogbolu.
Financially and academically, TASUED’s already solid foundation meant the federal takeover requires minimal remedial investment. The university boasts strong infrastructure and established academic programs, easing its smooth absorption into the federal university system. In addition to aligning with the federal drive to strengthen teacher education, this transition is anticipated to expand fiscal support, open access to national-level research grants, and usher in federal oversight on staffing and curriculum.
President Tinubu framed the move as a tribute to key educational icons. “It is an opportunity … to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who began the revolutionary free education programme in Western Nigeria, and Dr. Tai Solarin, who spent most of his life educating our children and impacting patriotic and leadership lessons …” He also acknowledged the influential role of the Awujale of Ijebuland. Local leaders intervened to prevent TASUED’s closure in 2012—a pivotal moment in its survival and growth.
Legacies honoured, opportunities unlocked
TASUED’s heritage draws deep inspiration from its namesake. Dr. Tai Solarin (1916–1994) founded Mayflower School in Ikenne and championed educational access, civic duty, and moral integrity. Before him, Chief Obafemi Awolowo pioneered free education across Western Nigeria. The federal adoption aligns with these leaders’ visions, seeking to broaden access to quality teacher-preparation and academic standards across the country.
In light of this development, TASUED joins a growing group of federal universities of education. Before this, Nigeria had at least six such institutions, including Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (Owerri), Adeyemi Federal University of Education (Ondo), and Federal Universities of Education in Kano, Zaria, Pankshin, and Kontagora.
Governor Abiodun affirmed the broader benefit: “The creation … will serve the educational needs of not only the citizens of Ogun State but Nigeria as a whole.” He emphasised how the federal status will attract enhanced funding, facilitate research, and build manpower capacity.
Meanwhile, TASUED’s Vice‑Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, welcomed the shift, expressing gratitude to the president, Ogun State Government, founding fathers, and traditional leaders whose intervention preserved the institution’s future.
What this means for stakeholders
Students: With federal funding, students can expect better-equipped facilities, improved laboratories, and richer academic resources. Federal status typically brings wider scholarship schemes and increased access to federal student loans.
Staff and faculty: Becoming a federal university typically comes with upgraded salary scales, clearer promotion structures, and greater job security—a noteworthy upgrade for TASUED’s employees.
Regional impact: The elevation of TASUED stimulates regional development. With federal universities frequently acting as knowledge hubs, local economies may experience enhanced activity in housing, retail, and service sectors surrounding the campus.
Teacher training quality: As the premier education university in Ogun East, TASUED’s upgrade strengthens Nigeria’s nationwide focus on teaching standards. The federal government’s renewed commitment to teacher training is seen as a strategic investment in raising educational outcomes at all levels.
Next steps and outlook for Tai Solarin University
As the official document from the State House press office indicates, TASUED’s transition to federal ownership will bring it under federal programs, research grants, and budgetary allocations meant to boost global ratings and institutional excellence
Plans are underway for the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with TASUED leadership and Ogun State officials, to outline integration steps. These include infrastructural expansion, administrative restructuring, tighter oversight, and inclusion in federal development initiatives.
While continuity in academic programs is ensured, stakeholders await details on federal staffing guidelines, integration into national accreditation systems, and harmonisation across subsystems to enhance learning outcomes nationwide.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST EDUCATION NEWS
