Daud Olatunji
The Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, Professor Oluwole Banjo, marked the 20th anniversary of the institution on Wednesday by reflecting on a period of uncertainty and adversity in its history.
Speaking at a press conference, Banjo recounted how the university, established in 2005, narrowly escaped being scrapped due to efforts by the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Banjo recalled the tense period when the state government, led by Amosun between 2011 and 2019, made several attempts to shut down the institution.
The scrapping of TASUED, according to the Vice Chancellor, was a proposed measure based on various reasons, but thanks to the intervention of well-meaning individuals and collective prayers, the plans were averted.
Describing that moment as the “darkest” in the university’s history, Banjo emphasized how the institution’s survival was largely due to the power of prayer and fasting.
He acknowledged that the challenges faced were immense, but stressed that TASUED’s supporters rallied around the institution, ensuring it could continue its mission of producing high-quality educators.
“I want to tell you that nobody would want to see their growing child being attacked by a wolf. The father, looking at that, would be very sad. That was exactly what happened when there was an attempt to disrupt the unity.
We all know that this is the first of its kind in the country and the 8th in the world,” Banjo said. “I wonder, how can somebody wake up and say they wanted to scrap, they wanted to kill the vision many people are looking up to?”
He continued: “I want to say that with the help of meaningful people in society, with prayer and fasting, we were able to overcome that. That is why you see us this morning, happy and celebrating what God has done.”
The 
Vice Chancellor noted that the attempt to close the institution was a trying time that tested the resolve of the TASUED community.
“I want to believe that was our darkest moment in this university. We have not seen something as terrible as that since that time, and now,” Banjo said.
Banjo treading the memory lane, said on January 29, 2005, the Tai Solarin College of Education, Ijagun, transitioned into a full-fledged university—Tai Solarin University of Education.
The VC reminisced about the milestone, stating that it was a momentous occasion not just for Ogun State, but for the entire nation.
He credited the leadership of the then-Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel for the university’s transformation and the eventual approval by the National Universities Commission on November 28, 2005, which made TASUED the 76th university in Nigeria and the first specialized institution for education in the country.
“Twenty years ago, on this very day, January 29, 2005, the Ogun State Government, led by His Excellency Otunba Gbenga Daniel, proclaimed the transition of the erstwhile Tai Solarin College of Education, Ijagun to Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun (TASUED).
“Thereafter, on the 28th of November, 2005, the National Universities Commission approved Tai Solarin University of Education as the 76th and the first specialized University of Education in Nigeria,” Banjo explained.
He further elaborated on TASUED’s rise to prominence, highlighting its recognition not only as the first of its kind in Nigeria but also as one of the top ten universities of education globally.
Banjo acknowledged the challenges faced along the way but attributed the institution’s continued success to the support of Ogun State’s successive administrations and the determination of the university’s founders.
“The journey that led to this momentous occasion was fraught with challenges. The very existence of this institution hung in the balance, threatened by the specter of closure.
“Yet, through the unwavering support of the people and successive administrations in Ogun State, the resilience of our founding fathers, and the unwavering belief in the importance of this institution, TASUED emerged, not just as a university, but as a beacon of hope,” he said.
As TASUED celebrates two decades of academic excellence, Banjo reflected on the university’s growth.
He noted that what began as a modest institution has now blossomed into a leading educational establishment that not only contributes to Nigeria’s development but also makes its mark internationally.
“We have witnessed the metamorphosis of a fledgling institution into a vibrant hub of academic excellence,” Banjo remarked.
“We have celebrated the achievements of our students, who have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, contributing significantly to the social, economic, and cultural development of our nation and the world at large.”
Looking ahead, Banjo expressed confidence in TASUED’s future, envisioning it as a globally recognized institution known for its academic rigor and innovative teaching methodologies.
“The future of TASUED is bright. I envision a future where we are not merely a leading university of education in Nigeria, but a globally recognized institution, renowned for its academic excellence, its innovative teaching methodologies, and its transformative impact on society,” Banjo concluded.
The Alumni Association of TASUED, Ijagun, Ogun State, has commended the institution’s remarkable progress as it marks its 20th Founders’ Anniversary.
Speaking as part of the celebrations, the Alumni President acknowledged the initial concerns about funding, managerial capacity, and human resources but praised TASUED for surpassing expectations to become Nigeria’s premier university of education.
He highlighted the impact of the university’s graduates, who have excelled in various fields globally, leveraging their craftsmanship, entrepreneurial skills, and technology-driven knowledge dissemination.
The Alumni President attributed TASUED’s success to the visionary leadership of its founding fathers, dedicated Vice-Chancellors, committed staff unions, and the resilience of students.
He also applauded the infrastructural strides made over the years, particularly under the leadership of the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wole Banjo.
“Infrastructure-wise, the university has witnessed tremendous growth, thanks to strategic collaborations with TETFund and prudent resource management.
The newly commissioned university health center, smart classrooms, and enhanced teaching facilities are clear testaments to this progress,” he stated.
The celebration continues with a series of events recognizing TASUED’s contributions to education and national development over the past two decades.
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