The Management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, has defended the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Governor Dapo Abiodun, describing the award as consistent with the institution’s long-standing tradition.
The university said it was compelled to speak following what it described as “recent, malicious, and deliberately misleading publications” circulating in the media, which it noted were aimed at creating disaffection and misinforming the public over the honorary award.
In a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dapo Oke, FCIA, MNIM, the institution clarified that the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on civilian governors of Ogun State is an established practice rooted in recognition of their executive leadership and support for public education.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and to set the record unequivocally straight, the University affirms that its longstanding tradition has been to confer an Honorary Doctorate Degree on civilian Governors of Ogun State, in recognition of their executive stewardship and support for public education,” the statement read.
According to the university, this tradition is well documented and verifiable, adding that the practice did not begin with the current administration.
“His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the visionary founder of this University, was rightly honoured as the first serving Governor to receive the award in 2010. His successor, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was similarly honoured,” Oke stated.
The management further explained that the scope of honorary recognition by the institution extends beyond state governance to individuals who have made outstanding contributions at national and global levels.
It recalled that during the university’s 10th anniversary in 2015, eminent Nigerians and global figures were honoured, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CON.
“Others who have been so honoured include Sir Kensington Adebutu, Asiwaju Adebola Adegunwa and Dr Tunde Lemo, among others,” the statement added.
On the recent award to Governor Abiodun, the university maintained that there was nothing unusual about the decision.
“In this established context, the recent conferment upon His Excellency, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, is neither anomalous nor extraordinary. It is a continuation of a consistent institutional practice applied to all civilian Governors of the State,” the Registrar said.
The management also addressed public discourse surrounding former Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, CFR, stressing that his contribution to the institution remains deeply valued.
“Regarding Aremo Olusegun Osoba, CFR, his historic and indelible contribution is separately and highly esteemed. His signature, as Governor during the Third Republic, enacted the legislative bill that transformed the former Tai Solarin College of Education into a degree-awarding institution, a pivotal act in our institutional metamorphosis,” the statement noted.
The university further clarified that honorary awards are not limited to political office holders, stating that paramount rulers across Ogun State and other distinguished Nigerians have also been recognised over the years for their contributions to national development.
“The University has, over time, honoured all Paramount Rulers in Ogun State, alongside other preeminent Nigerians whose transformative contributions have significantly advanced national development,” it said.
Condemning attempts to distort facts, the management urged the public to ignore what it termed misinformation.
“The Management condemns in strong terms this attempt to distort facts and stir unnecessary disaffection. We urge the public to disregard this misinformation and affirm our unwavering commitment to recognising excellence and distinguished service in line with our established traditions and institutional prerogative,” the statement concluded.
