Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East, has written an open letter to Governor Dapo Abiodun regarding the Federal Government’s recent takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).
In the letter, Senator Daniel congratulated Governor Abiodun on the Federal Government’s decision, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in recognizing the importance of the university in Nigeria’s education system. He described the takeover as validation of the institution’s original vision, which was established two decades ago under his administration.
However, Senator Daniel raised concerns about the implications of this acquisition for Ogun State. He noted that while the takeover is beneficial for TASUED and its stakeholders, it also reflects poorly on the state government’s ability to maintain its educational institutions, especially given the state’s ₦1 trillion budget.
He emphasized that TASUED was originally founded to boost employment and increase admission quotas for Ogun State indigenes. With the Federal Government now in charge, he warned that the state might lose control over leadership appointments and student admission slots, potentially reducing opportunities for Ogun students.
Senator Daniel urged Governor Abiodun to ensure that resources previously allocated to TASUED are redirected towards other state-owned tertiary institutions, including the ICT Polytechnics in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu Igbo, Gateway ICT in Sapade, Dauda Adegbenro in Itori, and the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute in Oni, Ogun Waterside. He noted that these institutions have suffered neglect and require urgent attention.
He also cautioned that, as a governor from Ogun East, Abiodun should prevent institutions like Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic and the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute from falling into extinction under his leadership.
Concluding the letter, Senator Daniel expressed hope that Governor Abiodun would take steps to safeguard the future of Ogun State’s educational institutions and uphold his responsibilities for the benefit of the people.
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