FG, Ogun Sign MoU on University Status

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The federal government and the Ogun State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the new status of the Tai Solarin University of Education which had been taken over by the federal government.

Sequel to the takeover, the university’s name was changed to Tai Solarin Un Federal University of Education (TASFUED).

The MoU for the transfer of the university was signed at the 17th Convocation Ceremony of the institution.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodunby Abiodun, and the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

TASFUED, which is the first University of Education in Nigeria, was recently taken over by the federal government and has been growing in leaps and bounds from four colleges to six colleges today.

At the convocation where 4,141 regular students graduated with 40 in First Class.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, was among three distinguished Nigerians that were awarded honourary doctorate degree of the university.

Senator Tinubu announced a N50 million Endowment Fund and support for the overall best graduating female student, which is to run for 10 years.

The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, dedicated the award to the advancement of girl-child education.

The former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba was also honoured with a doctorate degree in Education Management and Political Science respectively.

Abiodun, while speaking at the event said the elevation of the university to federal status reinforces the federal government’s commitment to preserving legacy institutions and strengthening teacher education as a strategic pillar of national development

The governor hailed President Tinubu for approving the takeover of the university, saying that such move has not only helped to enhance equity in the geographical spread of federal universities but has further reinforced the government’s commitment to empowering its teeming population through qualitative education.

Speaking earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Adekunle Adeogun said that the 17th convocation produced total of 4717 graduands out of which 40 students obtained First Class, 1,466 made Second Class Upper Division, 2,768 earned Second Class Lower Division, 492 obtained Third Class while 19 obtained Pass Degrees.

A total of 384 graduates were also recorded from the university’s postgraduate school.