New TASFUED VC unveils six -year development agenda

The newly inaugurated sixth Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Prof. Samuel E. Oladipo, has unveiled a six-year development agenda aimed at positioning the institution among Nigeria’s top 25 universities and within the world’s top 3,000 by 2031.

He disclosed this on Tuesday during his investiture as the sixth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university, held at the TETFund Hall, Ijagun Campus, stating that the institution would pursue sustainable funding, digital transformation, academic excellence, research innovation, infrastructural development, staff and students’ welfare, and stronger global partnerships to achieve the lofty target.

The new Vice-Chancellor pledged to provide transformational, accountable and visionary leadership that would uphold the institution’s legacy of excellence, describing his appointment as a call to greater service.

Prof. Oladipo said, “It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today at this historic moment, my investiture as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education. I am honoured to lead an institution founded on noble ideals, a legacy of excellence and a steadfast commitment to education and societal progress.”

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the role of the late educationist after whom the institution was named, Dr Tai Solarin, describing him as a symbol of integrity, resilience and unwavering commitment to education and national development.

ALSO READ: UNIOSUN students protest alleged sexual assault, robbery by Army recruits

He posited that the ideals of Solarin, the founder of Mayflower School, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, remain the guiding principles for the institution’s future development.

Prof. Oladipo noted that following the university’s transition to a federal university in 2025, the institution is poised for greater national and international relevance.

He said his administration would implement a strategic development framework tagged S.T.A.R.-W.I.N., focusing on Sustainable Funding and Smart Governance, Technology and Digital Campus, Academic Excellence and Innovation, Research Productivity and Global Ranking, Welfare and Wellbeing, Infrastructural Development, as well as National Alumni and International Relations.

The new Vice-Chancellor explained that financial sustainability would be pursued through innovative revenue generation, expansion of professional programmes, stronger university ventures and increased international collaborations.

He also promised to drive digital transformation by deploying smart classrooms, improving internet connectivity across the campus and enhancing digital capacity among staff and students to improve teaching, learning and administrative efficiency.

Prof. Oladipo pledged comprehensive curriculum reviews, expansion of academic programmes, pursuit of international accreditation and the creation of a vibrant research ecosystem capable of attracting global recognition.

He also assured members of the university community of improved welfare through better infrastructure, staff housing, transportation systems, healthcare and wellness initiatives, while prioritising the construction of modern facilities and upgrading laboratories to support quality teaching and research.

He added that his administration would strengthen relationships with host communities, industry players, alumni and international institutions to expand opportunities for collaboration and position TASFUED as a globally engaged university.

Calling for collective support, Prof. Oladipo urged staff, students, alumni and stakeholders to unite behind the shared vision of transforming the university into one of Africa’s leading institutions of higher learning.

He stressed that the journey towards excellence would require commitment, integrity and collaboration from every member of the university community.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded by expressing optimism that, with shared determination and adherence to the enduring values of Dr Tai Solarin, the university would achieve its aspirations of academic distinction and greater societal impact.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Rahman Bello, charged the new Vice-Chancellor to strengthen academic quality, promote impactful research, expand partnerships, improve infrastructure, embrace digital transformation, attract external funding, and enhance the university’s national and international profile.

He also urged staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to support the new administration in advancing the institution’s mission.