Why we asked FG to takeover TASUED- Ogun govt
The governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed the reasons behind the state’s request to the Federal Government to turn the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) into a federal institution.
Speaking during an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Abiodun said the move was meant to not only ensure balance in the distribution of federal educational institutions in the state but to attract more funding so as to make it a model center of academic excellence in the country.
Giving details of the events that led to the takeover of the university, the governor said he and his team, after thorough searches, picked TASUED and presented the idea to the federal government in July last year through the Minister of Education, who carried out due diligence before passing the memo to the President for approval.
He added that the creation was beyond any parachochial interest as the National outlook of the Institution would serve the educational needs of not only the citizens of Ogun State but Nigeria as a whole.
The governor emphasized that the takeover was not accidental, as a lot of work went into it, saying, “This did not happen by accident; it was intentional, deliberate, and purposeful. We asked for it, and Mr. President, in his magnanimity, saw with us, accepted, and granted us the approval for this institution to become a federal institution.”
He assured the President and the Federal Ministry of Education that they were inheriting a standard and first-class university which his administration has continued to nurture and sustain since its inception in 2019.
He also lauded the late educationist whom the school was named after, Dr Tai Solarin, saying that he was a national figure and an icon from Ogun East Eastern senatorial district who used his God-given knowledge to bring quality education to the doorsteps of all Nigerians irrespective of their state of origin or religion.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the takeover of the school would give it more leverage in terms of access to more funds, facilities, and manpower.
