My Perspective on the FG Takeover Of Tai Solarin University Of Education (TASUED)

Opinion:

BY SF OJO EMMANUEL

Strategic, Not an Indictment 

The claim that the Federal Government’s takeover of TASUED is an indictment on Ogun State or a failure of the present administration is completely misleading. This is a strategic decision aimed at ensuring the university’s long-term sustainability, growth, and global relevance. It also allows the state to redirect its resources to other critical areas of the education sector.

TASUED’s Growth and Federal Advantages

Transferring TASUED to the Federal Government is not due to financial struggles or mismanagement. Federal universities have access to superior funding, TETFund interventions, and broader research opportunities, all of which will benefit TASUED’s staff and students. Instead of seeing this as a loss, we should recognize it as a move that will strengthen the university’s standing nationally and internationally.

Admissions and Employment for Ogun State Indigenes

Concerns about Ogun State students losing admission slots or employment opportunities are unfounded. As a federal university, TASUED will still adhere to the “catchment area” principle, ensuring that Ogun State indigenes retain a fair share of admissions. Likewise, qualified professionals from the state will continue to find employment at the university, just as is the case in other federal institutions.

Reallocation of Resources for State-Owned Institutions

With TASUED’s transition to federal status, Ogun State can now focus its resources on strengthening other state-owned institutions. Schools like Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, the ICT Polytechnics in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota, Sapade, and the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute in Oni stand to benefit from increased attention and investment. This move allows for a more balanced and sustainable development of our education sector.

Not a “Rescue Mission” but a National Development Strategy

It is important to correct the narrative that the Federal Government’s intervention is a “rescue mission” for a failing institution. TASUED has remained a thriving university. Its transition to federal ownership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision to strengthen Nigeria’s higher education landscape. This is a national development strategy, not an admission of Ogun State’s failure.

A Bold, Forward-Thinking Decision

This decision is a proactive step that ensures TASUED’s long-term success while allowing Ogun State to focus on other pressing educational and developmental priorities. Rather than resisting this progress, we should embrace it and maximize its benefits for the growth of education in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

Commendation for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Administration

I commend the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration for this visionary and strategic achievement. Ensuring that TASUED is placed under federal ownership is a testament to the governor’s commitment to securing the best possible future for education in Ogun State. His administration has continued to demonstrate foresight and dedication to infrastructural and academic development, and this move will have a lasting positive impact on students, faculty, and the entire state.

*SF Ojo Emmanuel, the SSA to the Governor of Ogun State on New Media writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State.