The Ogun State Governor’s Elders Advisory Council (GEAC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s adoption of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as a federal tertiary institution.
The Council also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for initiating the efforts that led to the federal takeover of the institution, recognizing his role in ensuring the transition.
The commendation was made during a meeting held at the Valley View Auditorium, Government House, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The council also urged the federal government to retain the name of the institution, emphasizing that it was carefully chosen to honor an educationist of high repute in Nigeria.
A motion advocating for the name retention was moved by Chief (Hon.) Dipo Akingbade and seconded by Dr. Rasheed Adenusi.
“I want to say that this honorable house commends Mr. President for this step. The President has done so well with the adoption of Tai Solarin University of Education by the federal government,” Akingbade said.
“I also want to congratulate the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for this happening during his tenure. It is a testament to his hard work and collaboration with the federal government.
“Efforts should be intensified to ensure that the institution’s name is not changed for any reason because Tai Solarin was a father of education not only in Ogun State but in Nigeria as a whole.
“I am moving a motion that this honorable house write a letter to the President expressing our happiness and delight over the adoption of Tai Solarin University of Education,” he added.
The Chairman of the Council, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, described the federal takeover of TASUED as a commendable decision and insisted that the institution’s name should remain unchanged.
“This is a good and wonderful decision, and I am personally happy about it. This institution has been fully funded by the Ogun State Government. With federal support, it can achieve more in terms of infrastructure and staffing,” Okuboyejo stated.
“The name should not be changed. Tai Solarin was a first-class educationist. If we want to honor those who have contributed significantly to education, then the name should remain,” he emphasized.
Additionally, the council, through another member, Alhaji Bisi Quadri, moved a motion—seconded by Chief Pegba Otemolu—appreciating Governor Abiodun for his commitment to road development in the state. The motion acknowledged his efforts in spreading the recently approved 11 roads across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The Council also commended Governor Abiodun for approving the recruitment of 500 additional Amotekun personnel to enhance security in the state.
“I want to commend the Governor’s efforts, particularly in security. He is doing his best to improve safety in the state. While we appreciate his approval of additional Amotekun personnel, we still need more hands on deck because security is crucial for the socio-economic development of our state,” a council member stated.
A former Ogun State House of Assembly member, Hon. Bode Adeaga, also praised the federal government under President Tinubu’s leadership for approving the appointment of principal officers for the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta. He described the move as a clear indication of the federal government’s commitment to the institution’s commencement.
During the meeting, the Elders Council also filled existing vacancies created by the demise of three members representing Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu, Remo-North/Ijebu North, and Ijebu North-East/Ogun Waterside federal constituencies.
Chief Pegba Otemolu was unanimously appointed to represent the Remo Federal Constituency. Chief Dr. Rasheed Adenusi was appointed to represent the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North-East Federal Constituency, while Senator Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka was selected to represent Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency.
