FG Takes Over TASUED, No Cause for Alarm, Says Rep. Ogunbanwo

The recent announcement of the Federal Government’s takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) has been met with elation by indigenes of Ogun State, particularly those in the Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North-East Federal Constituency. Hon. Olufemi Adeleke Ogunbanwo, a Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing the constituency, has reassured the public that the transition will be seamless and beneficial.

Ogunbanwo commended the founders and those who nurtured TASUED to its current status, highlighting its role as a pioneer in education universities. “It is little wonder that TASUED continued to be the lighthouse by providing the direction in the establishment of other similar universities of Education in other States of the Federation,” he stated. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Ogun State government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, in developing TASUED and other state-owned institutions.

The representative emphasized the state’s commitment to education, citing the Ogun State Education Revitalization Agenda (OGSERA) and the Digital Platform for Educational Revitalization (DiPER) as examples of innovative approaches. “This innovation allows for accurate planning and has led to a lot of successes in education administration and pedagogy.

It is on record that other States and even Development Organizations have come to understudy the workings of this platform such that Ogun State is not only the education capital of Nigeria because it has the highest number of tertiary institutions, it is also the education resource centre for other States of the Federation.”

Ogunbanwo highlighted the unique nature of TASUED’s conversion, noting that it is the first university of education to be directly adopted by the Federal Government, unlike others that were upgraded from colleges of education. This, he argued, ensures a smooth transition for staff, with no changes in their academic status.

The federal takeover brings several advantages, including the establishment of a federal institution in the Ogun East Senatorial district, particularly the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, providing tuition-free education. “On the macro-economic level, it allows for more funding to the institution in terms of greater subvention from the Federal Government. This will open more job opportunities for our people.”

Furthermore, the state government will benefit from the reallocation of funds previously designated for TASUED to other state-owned institutions, fostering further development.

“Once again, I congratulate our amiable Governor and the entire people of Ogun State for the presence of another Federal Government-owned tertiary institution in our State. And, to ensure the actualization of this, as the Honourable Member representing Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North-East Federal Constituency, I have submitted a Bill to convert Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun (TASUED) to a Federal Institution, in line with His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu GCFR recent pronouncement.”

Hon. Olufemi Adeleke Ogunbanwo concluded by expressing his support for the transition and his commitment to its successful implementation.