Ogun says Abiodun didn’t rename TASUED after late Awujale

The Ogun government says the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun has not been renamed.

The speculations started after Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, made remarks at the eight-day Fidau prayer for the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.

In a statement on Thursday, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun’s special adviser on media and strategy, said his principal’s comments were misinterpreted.

The spokesperson refuted claims that the institution’s name had been changed to Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona University of Education.

Akinmade said there is already a school — the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology in Omu — that was named to honour the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.

“The Ogun State College of Education was originally established in 1977 and underwent its first name change to Tai Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology in 1994,” the statement reads.

“In 2005, it was further renamed Tai Solarin University of Education, which led to controversies regarding its authority to award both NCE and degree programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“In light of the NUC’s position, the previous administration relocated the Tai Solarin College of Education to Omu, while the Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun retained its name.

“However, in 2022, under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, the institution was officially designated as the Sikiru Kayode Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology to honour the Awujale.”

Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960 at the age of 26, reigned for more than six decades, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.

His burial marked the end of an era for the Ijebu kingdom, which he led with courage, modern vision and deep respect for Yoruba traditions.