The federal government on Thursday officially took over the ownership and management of the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, from the Ogun State government.

The handover and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, took place during the institution’s 17th convocation ceremony in Ijagun.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Ahmad expressed delight at the symbolic transfer of ownership of the university from the Ogun state government to the federal government.

She described the occasion as a defining moment in the journey of the university and in the federal government’s resolve to reposition education as the foundation for renewal, stability and shared prosperity.

The minister said the institution’s transition from a state-owned university to a federal university was a testament to hard work, creativity and steadfast commitment to its vision and mission.

“The decision of the federal government to adopt the university from the Ogun State government in March 2025 was deliberate, strategic and guided by national interest.

“It reflects our firm belief that no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers, and that no reform agenda can succeed without sustained investment in those who shape both present and future generations,” she said.

Ms Ahmad commended the Ogun State government for its foresight, responsibility and exemplary stewardship of the institution over the years, while paying tribute to the founding fathers whose vision laid a durable foundation.

She noted that the signing of the MoU formally consummated the transition of the university into the federal university system, underscoring a shared commitment to institutional stability and sustainable growth.

According to her, the development aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, which prioritises strengthening institutions and investing in human capital.

The minister congratulated the graduating students, describing the university as occupying a unique position among Nigeria’s higher education institutions.

She said the adoption of the university as a federal institution recognised the progress recorded over its 20 years of existence, marked by innovation and excellence in academic and administrative practices.

Ms Ahmad added that the process was further strengthened by the patriotic advocacy of well-meaning Nigerians, including Gov. Abiodun.

In his remarks, Mr Abiodun said the adoption advanced national equity, noting that Ogun East Senatorial District could now boast of a federal university.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the takeover, saying it reflected the president’s conviction that national renewal was tied to the quality of human capital development.

The governor said the university has maintained its position as Nigeria’s first university of education, with a record of 100 per cent accreditation of its programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“The adoption of the university by the federal government also balances the geographical spread of federal universities and reinforces the commitment to strengthening teacher education as a pillar of national development,” he said.

Earlier, the university’s acting vice-chancellor of the university, Adekunle Adeogun, identified student accommodation as a major challenge and appealed to stakeholders to support the provision of safe and conducive living environments.

He also stressed the need to expand lecture facilities to meet the demands of the university’s new status, including the construction of multipurpose lecture theatres and smart classrooms.

The event featured the conferment of honorary degrees on First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Abiodun, and a former governor of the state, Olusegun Osoba.

The First Lady was represented by the wife of the vice president, Nana Shettima.

Dignitaries at the event included Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola; and Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba Razaq Adenugba, government functionaries, among others.

(NAN)