The Ogun State Government has clarified that the name of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, remains unchanged, countering rumours that the institution has been renamed in honour of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
In a statement signed by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government explained that while the monarch is indeed honoured in the state’s educational system, the tribute does not extend to altering the identity of TASUED.
According to the clarification, there already exists an institution in Omu named Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, which was designated in 2022 under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to commemorate the late traditional ruler.
Providing historical context, the statement noted that the Ogun State College of Education was founded in 1977 and renamed Tai Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology in 1994.
It became a university in 2005, bearing the name Tai Solarin University of Education. However, due to regulatory concerns raised by the National Universities Commission (NUC) over awarding both NCE and degree certificates, the former administration relocated the college component to Omu, while TASUED in Ijagun retained its name and function as a university.
The state government emphasized that Governor Abiodun’s recent remarks during the 8th Day Fidau for the late Oba Adetona were a reflection of previous efforts to honour the monarch, not an announcement of a new renaming process.
“There is no plan to rename Tai Solarin University of Education. The federal government has since taken over the institution and its name remains unchanged,” the statement affirmed.
