The Ogun State Government on Thursday formally transferred ownership of the former Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) to the Federal Government, following its adoption and upgrade to a federal institution on March 9, 2025. The university has since been renamed Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED).
The handover ceremony was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. The event took place during the second day of the university’s 17th Convocation Ceremony, held at the main auditorium, where Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s degrees and Doctor of Philosophy degrees were conferred on graduating students.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Abiodun; and a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba. Senator Tinubu was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun described the federal takeover of the university as a major step towards promoting national equity, noting that Ogun East Senatorial District now has a federal university. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the adoption of the institution.
According to the governor, the Federal Government’s decision reflects the President’s firm belief that sustainable national development is closely linked to the quality of human capital. He added that the transformation of the university aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the centre of economic growth, social inclusion, technological advancement and long-term competitiveness.
Abiodun further noted that the institution has maintained its reputation as Nigeria’s first University of Education, with all its academic programmes enjoying 100 per cent accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also acknowledged the significant roles played by prominent figures in advancing education in the state, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the state’s first civilian governor, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, and the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona. The governor particularly commended Oba Adetona for his timely intervention, which he said was crucial to the university’s survival at a critical period.
Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent efforts at improving lives nationwide through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also announced cash awards of ₦2 million for the overall best graduating student, Mr Gbolahan Awofala, and ₦500,000 each for 43 other first-class graduates.
In her address, Senator Tinubu announced the establishment of a ₦50 million endowment fund to support the best female graduating students of the College of Child Education over a 10-year period. She urged the graduates to serve as positive change agents and uphold the values of the university and the nation.
“As you move into the next stage of your lives, carry yourselves with confidence and pride. Be worthy ambassadors of this institution and of Nigeria, using your knowledge and skills to drive positive change,” she said.
Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adekunle Adeogun, highlighted student accommodation as a major challenge facing the institution. He appealed to stakeholders for support in providing safe and conducive housing for students.
Professor Adeogun also stressed the need to expand lecture facilities in line with the university’s new federal status, including the construction of multipurpose lecture theatres and smart classrooms equipped with modern teaching tools. He added that the institution requires comprehensive perimeter fencing and advanced surveillance systems to ensure the safety of staff and students under the national “School Safe” initiative.
