The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has formally handed over Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, to the Federal Government during the 17th convocation of the institution. The Memorandum of Understanding for the transfer of the university was signed at the event by Abiodun and the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.
The handover ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the wife of President Bola Tinubu, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, who received an honorary doctorate degree in child education. Mrs. Tinubu announced a N50m endowment fund for the overall best graduating female student, which will run for 10 years.
Abiodun stated that the elevation of the university to federal status reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving legacy institutions and strengthening teacher education as a strategic pillar of national development. He hailed President Bola Tinubu for approving the takeover, saying it would enhance equity in the geographical spread of federal universities.
The Governor said, “The adoption of this university by the Federal Government advances national equity by balancing the geographical spread of federal universities, while honouring distinguished champions of education in the Ijebu-Remo axis.” Abiodun also acknowledged the role of the late Awujale of Ijebul, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose intervention was instrumental to the survival of the institution.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of TASUED, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, stated that the 17th convocation produced a total of 4,717 graduands, with 40 students obtaining First Class, 1,466 making Second Class Upper Division, 2,768 earning Second Class Lower Division, 492 obtaining Third Class, and 19 obtaining Pass Degrees.
Mrs. Tinubu, in her speech, said education remains the foundation of individual empowerment and national transformation. She announced the N50m endowment fund for the best graduating female student, citing her commitment to supporting girl-child education.
The convocation ceremony also honored notable individuals, including Abiodun and former Governor Olusegun Osoba, who received honorary doctorate degrees in Education Management and Political Science, respectively.
