The Federal Government has been commended for steps taken to address the persistent industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which have repeatedly disrupted academic calendars and posed enduring challenges for students, parents and governments across the country.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Prof. Rahamon Bello, described the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and ASUU as a decisive move capable of restoring stability to the university system.
Prof. Bello spoke in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, during the formal handover of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) to the Federal Government and the institution’s 17th Convocation Ceremony.
He praised the Federal Government for what he termed a bold intervention aimed at curbing incessant industrial unrest in public universities, noting that the initiative signalled a pathway to lasting peace in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government officially sealed the transfer of TASUED, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, to federal ownership with the signing of an MoU at the ceremony.
The agreement was executed by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary degrees and the presentation of prizes at the institution, now renamed Tai Solarin Federal University of Education.
At the event, the university conferred an honorary Doctor of Science in Childhood Education (D.Sc. Ed, Honoris Causa) on the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, received an honorary Doctor of Science in Political Science, while Governor Abiodun was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science in Education Management.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ahmad explained that the Federal Government’s decision to take over the institution in March 2025 was deliberate, strategic and guided by national interest.
She stressed that no nation could rise above the quality of its teachers, adding that sustainable national development depended largely on continuous investment in education.
“The signing of this MoU formally confirms the transition of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education into the federal university system, underscoring our shared commitment to institutional stability, staff welfare, students’ interests and sustainable growth,” she said.
According to her, the development aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which prioritises educational reforms focused on strengthening institutions, investing in human capital and promoting fairness and inclusiveness in the sector.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described the federal takeover as a significant step toward promoting national equity through a more balanced distribution of federal institutions across the country.
He noted that the transition also honoured the legacies of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, all of whom made lasting contributions to education and regional development.
“This occasion formally marks the release and handover of the erstwhile Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, to its new owners — the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Henceforth, it shall be known as the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education,” the governor said.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to education, Abiodun disclosed that Ogun State allocated ₦275.4 billion to the education sector in the 2026 budget to expand access to quality learning, reduce inequality and ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of background, tribe or religion.
Responding on behalf of the honorary award recipients, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, expressed appreciation to the university for the honour.
She announced a ₦50 million endowment fund for the overall best graduating female student of the institution, noting that the initiative would support beneficiaries for many years.
Also speaking, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, commended the Ogun State Government for ensuring a smooth and seamless transition of the university to federal ownership.
He added that the institution had consistently maintained 100 per cent accreditation for all its academic programmes, thereby upholding its academic standards and integrity.
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