*A political theatre falling flat – Abiodun aide
WorldStage Newsonline– Former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel has described the federal government’s adoption of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, as an indictment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s government.
It will be recalled that the FG, on March 9, announced the adoption of TASUED as a federal university.
Daniel, who is the senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, commended President Bola Tinubu’s initiative on the university but viewed the step as an indictment of the state government for its inability to maintain the institution.
However, Governor Dapo Abiodun in a respond to the indictment by his aide said Daniel’s view on the development reeks more of mischief than meaningful opposition.
Daniel in an open letter titled “Re: FG Takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education: Matters Arising”, dated 18 March, 2025 said, “This singular Federal Government initiative of our President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a resilient visioner and creative leader, underscores the importance of the university in the overall development of the education system in Nigeria, as it also confirms that the vision of our administration was well founded with the establishment of the institution twenty years ago.
“However, let it be said that, as robust as this initiative is for that institution and the thousands of workers and students of that great institution, which many did not give any chance of survival when we conceptualised it, we also need to call the attention of your esteemed office to a slight downside in this acquisition and the overall effects on our dear state.
“One, it appears this unilateral takeover is an indictment on our state and the inability of the government to maintain the institution which has attained a global rating, especially when the budget of the state has now hit the one trillion naira mark. Our people will ask, What is the percentage of our budget that is being allocated to the development of education from such a humongous budget appropriation?
“It also needs to be emphasised that part of our vision for establishing the Tai Solarin University of Education was to provide employment to Ogun State citizens as well as increase the carrying capacities and admission quotas, thereby creating placement opportunities for citizens of Ogun State.
“I wish our people would not come to such hurried conclusions about government ineptitude as the reasons for this necessary acquisition when the State Government has abdicated its responsibilities to this institution.
“Before our administration took over in 2003, there were only two major state-owned institutions of higher learning in the state, vis-à-vis, the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, and the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. Of course there are others, like the Tai Solarin College of Education, Ijagun, and the School of Health Technology, Ilese, supported by various technical colleges. But as an educational advantage, so to speak, Ogun State has a huge population of admission seekers, and the National University Commission (NUC) has a cap on the number of students who can be admitted in every admission cycle.
“The Olabisi Onabanjo University had, at the time, about a 3,500 carrying capacity. But with the establishment of TASUED, we were able to double the quotas of admission-seeking students of state origin, just as the state also has the capacity to create employment both in the appointment of vice chancellors and in administrative and academic staff.
“With this acquisition, Mr Governor, those quota advantages might have gone, as the federal government is now empowered to appoint the leadership of the institution, which may also come from anywhere in the country in line with the nature of our federal character system. Our students admission quota, no doubt, would have been abridged; they might benefit from the Catchment Areas system at best.
“We need to express our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for coming to the rescue of TASUED, without which we are afraid the institution is wired for confinement to the dustbin of history due to the noticeable neglect and seeming abandonment.”
“It is also our fervent hope that your administration might pick up from the president’s magnanimous takeover to start looking in the direction of the remaining institutions of higher learning. Whatever might have been freed from the running of TASUED from the State’s budgetary allocation to education could as well be channelled to the effective running of other institutions like the four other ICT Polytechnics in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota; Abraham Adesanya, in Ijebu Igbo; Gateway ICT in Sapade, and the Dauda Adegbenro in Itori, as well as the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute in Oni, Ogun Waterside. All these institutions have equally suffered neglect and abandonment. With the state government’s clear initiative to run these institutions to their optimum capacity, we would have compensated for what we might have lost to the federal government with the acquisition of TASUED.
“Better still, in the event that the state government is unable or unwilling to fund these institutions, we might as well pray for the same ‘good fortune’ that befell TASUED to visit them, to save them from the clutches of the shame of abandonment.
“As a governor who is from the Ogun East Senatorial District, lest it be said that under your stewardship such specialized institutions like the GIPI and Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic went into extinction, you owe our people in Ogun East this minimum of attention.”
DANIEL’S POLITICAL THEATRE FALLS FLAT – AIDE
Meanwhile in a respond to the the former governor’s indictment, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser, Media and Strategy to Ogun State Governor in a sttement said, “In what has become his trademark style of political posturing, former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East, Chief Gbenga Daniel, appears determined to politicize the Federal Government’s acquisition of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).
“Through a recent statement laced with veiled antagonism, he attempts to cast doubt on this laudable initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while subtly fanning the embers of discontent against Governor Dapo Abiodun. “Unfortunately for him, the strategy reeks more of mischief than meaningful opposition—and it has unmistakably missed its mark.
“One cannot help but question the true intent behind the senator’s much-publicized “open letter” to Governor Abiodun—a document filled with mischaracterizations and insinuations. He accuses the governor of neglecting state-owned institutions, a claim that collapses under the weight of verifiable evidence pointing to increased investment, infrastructural development, and renewed vitality across Ogun’s educational landscape.
“As is often the case, Daniel’s outbursts seem less about facts and more about political opportunism. His remarks read more like a personal vendetta than a constructive critique. The narrative he tries to spin is as unconvincing as it is desperate.
“One might ask: Is the senator simply unsettled that this milestone—the seamless transfer of TASUED to federal ownership—happened under Governor Abiodun’s leadership? The governor has clarified time and again that the decision was taken in the interest of equitable distribution of federal institutions across the state—not due to any failure of funding or neglect. And rightly so.
“Under the Abiodun administration, Ogun’s educational sector has witnessed measurable growth. TASUED itself has benefited from improved infrastructure and robust funding. Now, with its new federal status, the institution stands to enjoy access to TETFUND, increased budgetary support, and stronger academic manpower—all critical for long-term excellence. It is perplexing that a senator who claims to advocate for future generations would resist such progress in his own constituency.
“Today, Ogun State is widely recognized as Nigeria’s educational capital, and this reputation is rooted in deliberate policies, strategic investments, and consistent prioritization of learning and innovation. Since 2019, the government’s budgetary allocation to education has remained substantial and progressive.
“Senator Daniel, therefore, has no standing to dictate how this administration should manage its developmental agenda. If one were to critically assess his own record, particularly in education, the result would raise more questions than answers. During his eight-year tenure as governor, he was eventually rendered politically irrelevant—unable even to engage with institutions he once claimed to establish.
“Ironically, it was the same Governor Abiodun who, in the spirit of inclusion, allowed him political space, access to his properties, and the platform to run for the Senate. It is unfortunate that such generosity is now repaid with incitement and disinformation.
“Indeed, Gbenga Daniel seems to thrive on provocation. His tenure was notorious for controversy, and the online meme—“I don’t want peace, I want problems always”—seems to capture his public persona perfectly. And let us not forget: during his time in office, few dared to write open letters without attracting political retribution.
“Ultimately, his recent outburst reflects a disregard for the people of Ogun East, whom he claims to represent. It might be time for the electorate to reflect deeply on the value—and intent—of such representation.
“Ogun State is moving forward. No amount of political theatre can reverse that.”
