The Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, Professor Oluwole Sikiru Banjo, has made a passionate appeal to the state government to increase the university’s subvention to address its funding challenges.
Speaking during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony on Wednesday, Professor Banjo emphasized the urgent need for enhanced financial support to sustain the institution’s operations and growth.
“Therefore, we earnestly appeal to Your Excellency (Governor Dapo Abiodun) to consider increasing the university’s subvention. This will enable the institution to adequately meet its obligations,” he said.
Acknowledging the limitations of government funding, Banjo called on other stakeholders, including alumni, private individuals, corporate organizations, and parents, to step in and contribute.
He stressed the need for increased investment in infrastructure, research equipment, and technology to ensure TASUED remains competitive and capable of delivering quality education.
This year’s convocation marked Professor Banjo’s last as vice chancellor. Reflecting on his tenure, he highlighted several achievements, including the introduction of seven new academic programs tailored to global and local demands.
“As vice-chancellor, I have embraced transparent and accountable governance. Working alongside our governing council, we have strengthened the university’s financial standing, diversified our sources of funding, and instituted policies for sustainable growth,” Banjo said.
Key projects completed during his administration include an Independent Power Project for uninterrupted electricity supply, the completion of a Science Laboratory Complex, and the expansion of the University Health Centre—all inaugurated by Governor Abiodun. Additionally, 22 of the university’s 28 inaugural lectures since its inception were hosted during his tenure.
The Pro-Chancellor, Professor Rahamon Bello, also echoed the call for increased funding, praising the state government for its regular subvention but noting it was no longer sufficient.
“I like to call on Your Excellency to assist us in reviewing the subvention upwards to enable us to take care of the new salary structure arising from the new minimum wage recently approved for workers in the state,” Bello said.
The ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of 32 first-class graduands, with Abdulateef Adedamola Adedeji from the Department of Mathematics emerging as the overall best-graduating student, boasting an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.91.
Professor Banjo’s tenure leaves a legacy of innovation and progress, but the call for increased support underscores the challenges still facing Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
