Overview and History of Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode

 
Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) was named in honor of Tai Solarin (1922–1994), a renowned Nigerian educator, human rights activist, and advocate for quality education. It holds the distinction of being the 76th university approved in Nigeria by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

TASUED evolved from the Tai Solarin College of Education (formerly Ogun State College of Education), which was established in January 1978. The institution was officially upgraded to a full-fledged university on January 29, 2005, under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, making it Nigeria’s first university of education. Following this proclamation, the university received formal approval from the NUC on November 28, 2005.

From its inception, TASUED has been dedicated to producing highly competent professional educators with both subject expertise and pedagogical proficiency. A unique feature of the university’s academic structure is its mandatory four-year vocational and entrepreneurial training program, integrated into its B.Ed., B.Sc. (Ed.), B.Sc., and B.A. (Ed.) degrees. This ensures that every graduate earns two certificates—one in their chosen field of study and another in vocational and entrepreneurial proficiency.

Over the years, TASUED has expanded its academic offerings. Following the NUC Resource Assessment Exercise in April 2019, the university received approval to establish new postgraduate and full-time undergraduate programs. This expansion introduced 59 additional programs, including:

33 Ph.D. programs

13 Master’s programs (M.A., M.Sc., M.A. (Ed.), and M.Sc. (Ed.))

13 Bachelor’s programs (B.A. and B.Sc.)


Official Website: https://tasued.edu.ng/Official

This growth underscores TASUED’s commitment to advancing teacher education and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s educational sector.

##Justification for Establishment
The creation of TASUED was driven by several critical factors:

1. Enhancing Teacher Competence: There was a notable poor performance among first and second-year university students, often attributed to inadequate teaching at the primary and secondary levels. TASUED aims to produce graduate teachers with deep subject knowledge and effective teaching skills. 

2. Specialized Focus: Unlike other specialized universities in agriculture or technology, there was no institution dedicated solely to the science and methodology of teaching and learning. TASUED fills this gap by focusing on educational pedagogy. 

3. Vocational and Entrepreneurial Training: Recognizing deficiencies in university curricula regarding vocational skills and entrepreneurship, TASUED integrates these areas to produce graduates who are self-reliant and capable of creating employment opportunities. 

##Academic Structure and Expansion
Initially comprising four colleges, TASUED has expanded to six, reflecting its commitment to comprehensive education:

Colleges: The university offers a range of programs, including B.A., B.Sc., M.A., M.Sc., and Ph.D., alongside traditional B.A. (Ed), B.Sc. (Ed), and M.Ed degrees, totaling 59 academic programs. 

Departments: Restructuring efforts led to the creation of specialized departments, such as the Department of Childhood Education and the Department of Educational Technology, enhancing focus on specific educational needs. 

##Research and Development Centers
TASUED houses several centers dedicated to research, training, and community service:

Information and Communication Technology Centre: Transforms the university into an e-University, facilitating effective teaching, research, and administration. 

Oluyemisi Obilade Centre for Vocational and Entrepreneurship Studies: Equips students with practical skills for self-employment and job creation. 

Centre for Human Rights and Gender Education (CHURGE): Works towards legal protection of human rights and gender equality, aligning with global standards. 


##Recent Developments
In March 2025, the Federal Government adopted TASUED as a Federal University. This transition honors educational pioneers like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Tai Solarin and aligns with the government's strategy to enhance teacher education nationwide. 

##Leadership: Vice Chancellors
Professor Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) has been led by several distinguished Vice Chancellors as follows:

Professor Olukayode Oyesiku: He served as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of TASUED, laying the foundational structures for the university's academic and administrative frameworks.

Professor Segun Awonusi: Following Professor Oyesiku, Professor Awonusi took over the leadership, contributing to the university's growth and development during his tenure.

Professor Oluyemisi Oluremi Obilade: Appointed in January 2013, Professor Obilade is a renowned academic with a background in Adult Education and Women Studies. Before her appointment at TASUED, she was the Head of the Department of Continuing Education at Obafemi Awolowo University. 

Professor Abayomi Arigbabu: Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Professor Arigbabu served as the Director of Academic Planning, Quality Assurance, and Research at TASUED. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Education) in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Lagos, as well as a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of South Africa. 

Professor Oluwole Sikiru Banjo (2023 - Present): Professor Banjo, the current Vice Chancellor, assumed office in March 2023. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Ecotourism Management from the University of Ibadan. Before his appointment, he served in various capacities at TASUED, including Acting Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, and Dean of multiple colleges. 

Each of these leaders has played some special roles in shaping TASUED's trajectory, contributing to its status as a leading institution in education.

##Campus
Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) boasts a range of well-equipped halls and auditoriums that support academic and extracurricular activities. Some of the prominent structures on campus include the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Auditorium, a spacious facility used for major university events and lectures, and the University (e-learning) Block, which provides modern digital learning resources for students. Additionally, the Alex O. Onabanjo Complex serves as an important academic and administrative hub, while the Centre for Entrepreneurial and Professional Education (CEPEP) Building plays a key role in fostering skill acquisition and professional development. Other notable structures include the Science Complex, which houses state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, and the Lecture Theatre, a vital space for large-class lectures and seminars.

In terms of student accommodation, TASUED provides halls of residence (hostels) to cater to students' housing needs within the university premises. However, many students also reside in privately owned hostels built by local community members in areas such as Ijagun, Ijele, Imaweje, Ososa, and Ijebu Ode, ensuring that students have a variety of housing options close to the campus.

##Notable Alumni
Beyond its academic excellence, TASUED has produced notable alumni who have excelled in various fields. Among them are Mosun Filani, a well-known Nigerian actress and entrepreneur, and Tobi Oyinlola, who has made significant contributions in his respective field. The university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping future leaders and professionals across different sectors.