A Heated Debate Over Ogun State's Educational Institutions

Former Governor Gbenga Daniel Challenges Governor Dapo Abiodun on Educational Neglect

Naija News brings you the latest on a heated debate that erupted between former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel and current Governor Dapo Abiodun. The controversy centers around the alleged neglect and underfunding of the state’s tertiary institutions. Senator Daniel, who now represents Ogun East, has fired a sharp critique at Governor Abiodun over the recent takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) by the Federal Government. While Daniel acknowledges the positive implications of this federal intervention, he lays the blame squarely at Abiodun’s doorstep, accusing him of failing to prioritize funding for the state’s higher education system.

In an open letter that quickly went viral, Daniel accused Abiodun of neglecting the needs of Ogun State’s educational institutions. He argued that this neglect has driven the Federal Government to intervene and take over TASUED. Daniel's letter sparked a lively response from Governor Abiodun’s team, who dismissed his claims as politically motivated.

The Historical Context: Daniel’s Legacy in Education

Gbenga Daniel took a trip down memory lane in his letter, reminding everyone of his administration’s efforts to establish TASUED back in February 2005. At the time, Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye could only admit 3,500 students annually, which wasn’t enough to meet the growing demand for higher education in the state. Daniel's administration stepped in to provide an alternative, creating TASUED to cater to the needs of more students seeking admission.

Read also:

Discover The Hottest Celeb Couples A Fun Journey Through Stardom

Daniel expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and his administration for stepping in to save the university from the brink of collapse. He praised the federal government for its timely intervention, which he believes has been crucial in preventing the university from falling into disrepair due to years of neglect and poor funding. However, he also voiced concerns about the implications of the takeover.

The Concerns About Federal Takeover

Daniel highlighted the potential drawbacks of federal control over TASUED. He fears that the takeover could reduce Ogun State’s control over admission quotas, a benefit that has been one of the key advantages of having a state-run institution. In his letter, he questioned the state’s commitment to education, pointing out that despite a budget that has now reached the N1 trillion mark, there seems to be a lack of focus on the development of education within the 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 global recognition, especially when the budget of the state has now hit the N1 trillion mark,” Daniel wrote. He further questioned the percentage of the budget allocated to education, urging the public to scrutinize the government's priorities. He warned against rushing to conclusions about government ineptitude but insisted that the state had abdicated its responsibilities to the institution.

Potential Impact on Local Students

Daniel expressed worries about how the federal takeover might affect local students. With the university now operating under the federal character system, leadership could come from anywhere in the country, potentially reducing the chances of local students gaining admission. This change could alter the dynamics of the institution, moving it further away from its original purpose of serving Ogun State's youth.

He urged the Abiodun administration to address the neglect of other state-owned institutions, such as the four ICT polytechnics and other higher education facilities in Ogun State. Daniel suggested that if the state government could not adequately fund these institutions, it should hope for similar federal interventions, as seen with TASUED.

Abiodun’s Team Hits Back

Responding to Daniel’s criticisms, Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun, dismissed the former governor’s letter as politically motivated. Akinmade accused Daniel of trying to undermine the president’s good intentions regarding the university’s takeover. He argued that under Abiodun’s leadership, Ogun’s educational sector has witnessed significant investment and infrastructural development.

Read also:

Driving Toward A Greener Future Why Sustainable Driving Matters

Akinmade emphasized that the Federal Government’s decision to take over TASUED was not a result of underfunding but rather an effort to ensure equitable distribution of federal institutions across the state. He clarified that the state had made substantial investments in TASUED, improving its infrastructure and providing necessary funding. With its new federal status, Akinmade stated, TASUED would benefit from greater support, including access to TETFund and increased budgetary allocations, ensuring its long-term success.

Political Motives Under Scrutiny

Akinmade questioned the true intent behind Daniel’s much-publicized open letter, labeling it as filled with mischaracterizations and insinuations. He accused Daniel of playing politics rather than engaging in constructive critique. “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,” Akinmade remarked.

Akinmade suggested that Daniel’s remarks stemmed more from personal grievances than factual concerns. He wondered if the senator was unsettled by the fact that this milestone—the seamless transfer of TASUED to federal ownership—happened under Governor Abiodun’s leadership. The governor has consistently clarified that the decision was taken in the interest of equitable distribution of federal institutions, not due to any failure of funding or neglect.