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  • TASFUED defends honorary degree awards, says process follows longstanding tradition

    TASFUED defends honorary degree awards, says process follows longstanding tradition

    The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED) has clarified its position on the conferment of honorary degrees, affirming that the practice aligns with the institution’s established tradition.

    In a statement issued on Friday titled “Award of Honouraria Causa by the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education: Putting the Records Straight,” the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dapo Oke, said recent honorary awards were granted in line with long-standing institutional norms.

    Oke noted that the university was concerned about what it described as malicious and misleading media reports aimed at creating discord and misinforming the public over the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

    “The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, notes with utmost concern recent, malicious, and deliberately misleading publications circulating in the media aimed at sowing discord and misinforming the public regarding the institution’s conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees,” the statement read.

    He stressed that the process for awarding honorary degrees follows due procedure and reflects the university’s commitment to recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to national development.

    “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.

    “This tradition is a matter of verifiable public record.

    “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.

    Read Also: TASFUED to confer honorary doctorate on Oluremi Tinubu for educational advocacy

    “Furthermore, the scope of this honour extends beyond State governance to celebrate exemplary national and global contributions.

    “During the University’s 10th Anniversary in 2015, distinguished figures, including former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CON, were duly honoured. Others are Sir Kensington Adebutu, Asiwaju Adebola Adegunwa,Dr Tunde Lemo, among others,” he said.

    Oke added that in the established context, the recent conferment upon Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Governor of Ogun State, is neither anomalous nor extraordinary.

    He said that it is a continuation of a consistent institutional practice applied to all Civilian Governors of the State.

    Oke added, “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.

    “It must also be clarified that this recognition is not exclusive to Governors. The University has, over time, honoured all Paramount Rulers in Ogun State, alongside other preeminent Nigerians whose transformative contributions have significantly advanced national development.

    “The Management, therefore, 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 accordance with our established traditions and institutional prerogative.”

  • First Lady establishes N50m endowment fund at TASFUED

    First Lady establishes N50m endowment fund at TASFUED

    • OAU gets RHI’s 50 CNG buses, 30 tricycles
    • Senator Tinubu bags honorary PhD in Childhood Education
    • Ogun govt hands over education varsity to Fed Govt

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has established a N50-million endowment at the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State.

    Mrs. Tinubu’s gesture took place during the university’s transfer from the Ogun State government to the Federal Government and the institution’s 17th convocation ceremony.

    The First Lady also donated 50 CNG buses and 30 tricycles yesterday to students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the transfer of TASFUED in March last year.

    During the convocation ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the formal handover of the nation’s premier education varsity.

    The First Lady, who was represented by the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Hana Shettima, was decorated with the award of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) in Childhood Education.

    Former Governor Olusegun Osoba was also bestowed with the award of Doctor of Science in Political Science(honoris causa).

    Mrs. Tinubu endowed the TASFUED’s Department of Childhood Education with N10 million for the best graduating female students for 10 years.

    The First Lady promised to continue encouraging any noble cause that promotes education, children, and Nigerian youths as well as to bestow the overall best graduate with N1.5 million.

    Read Also: ‘No bandit invasion or closure of Tai Solarin Federal University’

    She urged the graduates to be “worthy ambassadors” of their great alma mater and Nigeria.

    Governor Abiodun described the transfer as a “historic transition” and an epoch in the annals of the state and the TASFUED.

    During the convocation, 4,785 graduates from the 2024/2025 set of regular students were rolled out.

    A breakdown of the number showed that 40 obtained First Class Honours; 1,466 obtained Second Class Upper Division; 2,768 made Second Class Lower Division, while 492 and 19 obtained Third Class and Pass degrees.

    Nineteen-year-old Gbolahan Edward Awofala of the Department of Computer Science was the overall best graduate with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.92.

    The state government gifted Awofala N2 million for his feat, while each of the 40 First-Class graduates got N500,000.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) transferring TASUED from the state to the Federal Government was signed by Governor Abiodun on behalf of the state government and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

    The session was witnessed by the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello; Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, and the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu.

    Abiodun, who was decorated with the award of Doctor of Science (honotis causa) in Education at the occasion, acknowledged the vital role of the new Visitor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards Federal Government’s adoption of TASFUED.

    The governor hailed the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, for “indeed working very hard and facilitating it” to a successful end.

    He said the adoption and subsequent transfer helped in balancing and equity.

    Abiodun noted that Ogun East now has a federal university, as was the case in the Ogun Central and Ogun West.

    He said the university was established to address gaps in pedagogy identified in conventional universities, particularly in teacher education, emphasising that the institution focuses on academic education alongside practical skills for self-reliance.

    Abiodun said TASFUED has grown from about 3,800 students and four colleges to six colleges, adding that the expansion reflected depth, intellectual ambition, and a clear affirmation of quality, discipline, and institutional integrity.

    He congratulated the graduates on the successful completion of their studies in flying colours and charged them to bear a unique responsibility to shape minds as nation-builders.

    Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Noimot Oyedele-Salako; the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Rasaq Adenugba; the Gbegande of Ososa-Ijebu, Oba (Dr.) Toye Alatishe; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola; the Limeri of Awa-Ijebu, Oba Amos Awobajo; and the Akporu of Ilaporu, Oba Jimoh Quadri.

    During her donation to the OAU, Mrs. Tinubu was joined by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; wife of Osun State governor, Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke; wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, and other wives of Nigerian governors.

    Other dignitaries at the event included the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; the Osun APC governorship candidate, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji and other party bigwigs.

    The First Lady said she inaugurated the buses and tricycles for use at the sport arena of the institution.

    The OAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, hailed Senator Tinubu for the gesture.

    He said: “We thank the First Lady for her generosity to the school. She is one of the most shining stars of the school. We are very happy for her donations to the development of the school.“We are happy for the donation of 50 buses and 40 tricycles for students and staff of OAU. These will ease the burden of transportation of staff and students and members of the community as well as enhance the quality of their lives as well.”

    Also, the OAU Students’ Union President, Oluwatodimu David, eulogised Mrs. Tinubu for the donation, noting that it will go a long way to ease the transportation challenges that they are facing.

    He said: “We are happy for the donation of 50 buses and 30 tricycles for students and staff of OAU. It will ease the burden of transformation of staff and students and members of the community and enhance the quality of their lives as well. This is in line with our administration’s ambition; now it is a reality.”

    “We also commend her for the campus beautification project and the renovation of the Amphitheatre, which has enhanced the growth of our school. We thank her a lot. She is not just a mother of the nation but that of the OAU community specially.”

  • Abiodun, First Lady, Osoba to get TASFUED’s honorary doctorates Jan. 29

    Abiodun, First Lady, Osoba to get TASFUED’s honorary doctorates Jan. 29

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and former Ogun State governor and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, have been listed to get Doctor of Science (D.Sc., Honoris Causa) during the 17th convocation of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, on January 29.

    The institution’s management announced this in a statement by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dapo Oke.

    The statement described Governor Abiodun, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s wife, and Aremo Osoba as “exceptional individuals” who = deserve the honours because of their outstanding contributions to their fields and significant impact on society.

    The TASFUED management said it felt honoured to recognise these outstanding individuals whose achievements inspire others.

    The university stressed that the honorary degrees recognised their exceptional contributions and solidified its commitment to excellence.

    READ ALSO: Why Northern Nigeria must put education first

    Explaining why it will honour Abiodun, the institution said, besides being the governor of the state since 2019 and having been re-elected in 2023, he was a successful entrepreneur and former Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    TASFUED said Abiodun brought his wealth of private and public sector experience to his role.

    It stated: “His administration is defined by the “ISEYA” agenda, focusing on Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth Development, Agriculture, and Governance, which has driven significant projects, like the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, affordable housing, and strengthened public systems.

    “Governor Abiodun’s transformative leadership has earned Ogun State recognition as a leading industrial and investment destination. His impact is validated by numerous distinguished awards, including Governor of the Year honours from Independent and The Sun newspapers in 2023, the Silverbird Man of the Year award and, recently, 2025 accolades for Digital Transformation and as Best Governor in Enterprise and Investment Promotion.

    “These honours reflect the substantive progress and empowerment his governance has achieved for the people of Ogun State.

    “This award is in recognition of his notable strides in governance, education and humanitarian efforts. The university takes special cognisance of his passion for education and numerous contributions in reviving Ogun State’s legacy and a model of progressive governance. His modest achievements and accomplishments represent the ideals of integrity and selflessness, which our University stands for.

    The history of the institution will not be complete without mentioning the fact that his administration kick-started the process that initiated the transition of the university into a federal institution, the transformation that will bring long-term significance to education in Ogun State.

    “He is to be awarded Doctor of Science ( D.sc. Ed.) Honoris Causa in Education Management.”

    The statement described Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a philanthropist who has supported the cause of women and the girl-child through her New Era Foundation, which also focuses on youth development and public awareness in environmental health, Women’s Health and Education Foundation.

    It noted that the foundation is also aimed at empowering women and children through healthcare and education.

    “As a senator who represented Lagos Central Senatorial District from 2011 to 2023, during her time in the Senate, she served on the Committees on Health and Women’s Affairs and championed causes related to education, healthcare accessibility, and community service.

    In her role as the First Lady, she continues to advocate for women’s rights and youth.

    “She is to be Awarded a  Doctor of Science (D.Sc Ed.) Honoris Causa in Childhood Education,” the statement added.

    TASFUED described Osoba as a “distinguished media icon, statesman, and administrator of uncommon clarity of purpose”.

    The institution also described him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history of public service, journalism, democratic struggle, and nation-building.

    “Aremo Osoba stands as one of the most respected voices in Nigeria’s political and civic sphere. 

    “Aremo Osoba served twice as Executive Governor of Ogun State, first in the Third Republic, and again, in the Fourth Republic. His tenure was marked by purposeful governance, massive rural and urban development, infrastructural renewal, community empowerment, and policies rooted in compassion and accountability. His legacy in Ogun State remains visible, meaningful, and celebrated.

    “A consummate democrat, His Excellency played a pivotal role in the struggle leading to the restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria. Aremo Olusegun Osoba is to be awarded a Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Ed.) Honoris Causa in Political Science.

    “The history of the university will not be complete without mentioning the fact that his administration kick-started the process that eventually snowballed into the transformation of the old College of Education into the Tai Solarin University of Education through signing into law the Bill that first made the college a degree-awarding institution in affiliation with the University of Ibadan.”