The Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has condemned the Ogun State government for allowing the federal government to unilaterally take over Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun. He described the development as a failure on the part of the state government to effectively manage its institutions.
Daniel, who established TASUED in 2005 as Nigeria’s first university of education, criticised Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for its inability to sustain the institution, which he noted had gained international recognition as Africa’s second university of education. In an open letter dated March 18, 2025, and addressed to Governor Abiodun, the former governor questioned why the state could not maintain TASUED and other tertiary institutions despite having an annual budget exceeding one trillion naira.
He warned that the federal acquisition of TASUED would have serious implications, particularly for employment and admission opportunities for Ogun State indigenes. According to him, the takeover strips the state of the authority to appoint key officials such as the vice-chancellor, principal officers, administrative, and academic staff, which would significantly reduce job opportunities for Ogun residents.
Daniel further argued that state-owned institutions in Ogun had suffered neglect under the current administration, which he suggested was a factor in the federal government’s intervention. He urged the government to properly allocate its education budget to revitalise other institutions and prevent them from facing a similar fate as TASUED.
The senator also cautioned that history would judge the Abiodun administration if it allowed other institutions, including the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute, Oni; DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori; Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade; Abraham Adesanya ICT Polytechnic, Ijebu-Igbo; and ICT Polytechnic, Igbesa, to fall into decline.
While acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role in rescuing TASUED from mismanagement, Daniel warned that Ogun State might now face reduced admission quotas, as control over appointments at the institution had shifted to the federal government.
He called on Governor Abiodun, as a native of Ogun East, to ensure that specialised institutions in the region do not deteriorate under his leadership, stressing the importance of dedicated governance for the benefit of the people.
