The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that its governing council deliberately ignored former Ogun State governor and founder of the institution, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, in the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dapo Oke, the university described the claims as malicious, misleading, and intentionally designed to sow discord and misinform the public.
The university clarified that it has a long-established tradition of awarding honorary doctorate degrees to civilian governors of Ogun State in recognition of their executive stewardship and contributions to public education. According to the statement, this tradition is well documented and part of the institution’s public record.
TASUED noted that Otunba Gbenga Daniel was, in fact, the first serving Ogun State governor to receive an honorary doctorate degree from the institution in 2010, following its establishment. His successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was also similarly honoured during his tenure.
The institution further explained that its honorary awards are not limited to state governors alone, but extend to individuals with outstanding national and global contributions. It recalled that during its 10th anniversary celebration in 2015, eminent Nigerians such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Aliko Dangote, Sir Kensington Adebutu, Asiwaju Adebola Adegunwa, and Dr Tunde Lemo were honoured.
On the recent conferment of an honorary degree on Governor Dapo Abiodun, the university stated that the decision was consistent with its established tradition and not an exception. It also acknowledged the contributions of former governor Olusegun Osoba, noting that his administration enacted the law that transformed the former Tai Solarin College of Education into a degree-awarding institution.
The management urged the public to disregard misinformation surrounding the issue, reaffirming its commitment to recognising excellence and distinguished service in line with institutional traditions. The clarification follows public debates linking the claims to perceived political disagreements within the state’s political landscape.
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