Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has proposed the establishment of four additional campuses for the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, following the institution’s recent takeover by the Federal Government.
Daniel made the disclosure during his midterm assessment and review tour of Ijebu North East Local Government, held at the Equity Resort, Erunwon, where he also facilitated free medical services and distributed empowerment tools to residents.
According to the senator, TASUED, which was founded during his administration in 2005, currently occupies about 151 hectares of land, far below the 10,000 hectares typically required for a federal university. He explained that the limited landmass could hinder the institution’s long-term development, prompting his proposal for additional campuses.
Daniel said the proposed expansion would include a Skill Acquisition Mini-Campus at Okeolugbogun in Ijebu North East, the conversion of Gateway Petroleum Institute in Oni, Ogun Waterside, into a satellite campus, an Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Mini-Campus at Illishan/Odogbolu, and a Health Sciences Mini-Campus in Ijebu-Ode.
He noted that the initiative would significantly enhance educational opportunities and technological development within the region.
Speaking further, Daniel urged the Ogun State Government to cooperate with his efforts in facilitating federal projects in the state rather than engaging in what he described as unnecessary political disagreements.
“A fundamental part of my role as your Senator is lawmaking and facilitating federal projects for our constituency. However, the execution of such projects lies with federal agencies, often in collaboration with state agencies. What we expect from the state government is cooperation, not hostility,” he said.
The senator also addressed the controversy surrounding the rehabilitation of Paddy Arikawe Road in Sagamu GRA, explaining that the road was originally constructed during his tenure as governor more than two decades ago but had since suffered neglect.
Daniel maintained that his move to facilitate its rehabilitation was aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting development in the area.
While thanking the Federal Government for taking over TASUED, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national development and expressed support for the President’s re-election in 2027.
He also called for unity among the people of Remo and Ijebu, urging them to support ongoing efforts toward the creation of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State from the present Ogun State.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has denied allegations of hostility towards Daniel.
The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the state government only insisted that proper procedures and approvals must be obtained before the execution of projects.
According to him, the contractor handling the Paddy Arikawe Road project has since indicated willingness to comply with the state government’s directive and has been allowed to resume work at the site.
