Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, has submitted a proposal to the Federal Government requesting the establishment of four satellite campuses for Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ijebu Ode.
Gbenga Daniel, the former Ogun State governor, who founded TASUED during his tenure in 2005, revealed this plan during a midterm assessment tour in Ijebu North East Local Government on Saturday at Equity Resort, Erunwon.
Daniel explained that the university’s current 151-hectare main campus falls significantly short of the 10,000 hectares typically required for federal institutions. This land shortage, he noted, will inevitably limit the university’s growth potential following its recent federalisation.
Proposed Campus Locations
The senator’s proposal includes four strategically positioned campuses within a 30-kilometre radius of the main campus:
- A Skill Acquisition Mini-Campus in Okelugbogun, Ijebu North East Local Government
- Conversion of Gateway Petroleum Institute in Oni, Ogun Waterside Local Government
- An Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Mini-Campus in Illishan/Odogbolu
- A Health Sciences Mini-Campus in Ijebu-Ode
Daniel noted that the initiative holds special significance as First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu’s ancestral roots trace back to Ijebu North East.
Friction with State Government
During his address, Senator Daniel expressed concern over what he characterised as hostile treatment from the Ogun State government toward his federal constituency projects. He argued that such opposition undermines development efforts and shortchanges constituents.
“What we expect, and indeed require, from the State Government is cooperation, not hostility. Petty politics must never be allowed to short-change our people,” Daniel stated.
The senator emphasised that his role involves facilitating federal project locations, while contract awards and execution remain the responsibility of federal agencies, often requiring state cooperation.
Road Project Controversy
A recent flashpoint involves the rehabilitation of Paddy Arikawe Road in Sagamu GRA, which Daniel originally constructed over two decades ago during his governorship. The state government halted construction last week, citing a lack of proper approvals.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, claimed this represents a pattern of interference, alleging similar obstruction occurred with the Sagamu-Aiyepe road project and Gateway Hotel road in Ijebu Ode.
However, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, dismissed allegations of hostility. He explained that the state simply requires proper documentation and approvals before projects commence, noting that the contractor has since complied and received permission to resume work.
“It is not about being hostile to anyone but rather about doing the right thing,” Akinmade said.
Saturday’s event also featured free medical services and distribution of empowerment tools, including sewing machines, motorcycles, grinding machines, deep freezers, and knapsack sprayers to constituents.
Senator Daniel praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and called for unity between the Remo and Ijebu communities in pursuing the creation of a new Ijebu-Remo state from Ogun State.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
