The Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, has announced significant academic, infrastructural and institutional milestones as it prepares to graduate 4,785 students at its 17th Convocation Ceremony.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adekunle Olanrewaju Adeogun, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing held at the Senate Chamber of the institution as part of activities marking the convocation.

Adeogun said the ceremony provides an opportunity to present to the public the progress recorded by the university since its last convocation in 2024, describing the period as one marked by growth, stability and national recognition.

He expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the support of the Governing Council, TETFund, the Ogun State Government and the university workforce, noting that their collective efforts have sustained the institution’s steady development.

The Vice-Chancellor identified the celebration of the university’s 20th anniversary in 2025 as one of the major milestones, describing it as a reflection of two decades of academic service, resilience, alumni impact and future aspirations.

He also highlighted the historic adoption of the institution by the Federal Government of Nigeria, saying the development has strengthened TASFUED’s standing and positioned it firmly within the national framework for teacher education and infrastructural development.

According to him, the National Universities Commission has granted full accreditation and re-accreditation to all academic programmes of the university, giving TASFUED a 100 per cent accreditation status. He added that curricula across colleges have been reviewed to align with global best practices, with emphasis on STEM education, digital pedagogy, entrepreneurship and inclusive education.

Adeogun disclosed that the NUC approved 12 new academic programmes across four colleges, as well as four new PhD programmes. He said entrepreneurship has been introduced as a full degree programme, supported by a dedicated Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, while digital pedagogy has been strengthened through smart classrooms and increased use of technology in teaching.

On research and innovation, the vice-chancellor said academic staff have improved research output, attracted competitive grants and participated actively in national and international scholarly engagements. He added that the university now prioritises applied and solution-driven research targeted at educational and societal challenges.

He noted that infrastructure development and digital transformation have also received attention, with the construction and rehabilitation of lecture theatres, laboratories and learning facilities, alongside improved ICT capacity to support e-learning, virtual instruction and digital administration.

Adeogun said staff welfare and capacity development remain a priority, revealing that five academic staff benefited from academic training, 70 staff received conference sponsorship, 28 benefited from institution-based research grants, and two accessed national research funds, while over 600 non-teaching staff participated in internally organised training programmes.

He described the university as enjoying a peaceful and stable academic environment, with a consistent academic calendar and industrial harmony that supports uninterrupted teaching and learning.

The Vice-Chancellor added that TASFUED has expanded partnerships with government agencies, private organisations and development partners, citing collaborations with Dufil Prima Foods, Polaris Bank and the Nigeria Conservation Foundation on initiatives including tree planting and community engagement. He also noted that the university hosted the 2025 International Conference of the Institute of Educational Leadership Practitioners of Nigeria.

Adeogun acknowledged several donations to the institution, including five minibuses, solar-powered lighting facilities and laptops donated by the senator representing Ogun West, Senator Olamilekan Adeola. He also mentioned the donation of a fully equipped staff club by Chief Dotun Sanusi, a statue of Tai Solarin by Chief Yemisi Shyllon, and a staff guest house under construction donated by Dr Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi of the SIFAX Group.

Highlighting student and alumni achievements, the Vice-Chancellor said a postgraduate student of the university, Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure, emerged as one of the Top 10 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize, making her the third representative of the institution to receive global recognition. He also listed achievements in innovation, sports and public service by students and alumni, including Guinness World Records and strong performances at the Nigerian University Games Association competition.

Adeogun announced that 4,785 regular students would graduate at the convocation, with 40 First Class honours, 1,466 Second Class Upper, 2,768 Second Class Lower, 492 Third Class and 19 Pass degrees across six colleges. He added that 269 part-time students and 88 Nigerian Army College of Education students would also graduate.

At the postgraduate level, he said 356 graduands would receive degrees, including 90 PhD holders, reflecting the growing postgraduate capacity of the university.

He further disclosed that the visitor to the university would commission a new computer-based test centre and a TETFund-supported lecture hall during the convocation. Honorary doctorate degrees will also be conferred on Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Adeogun described the 17th Convocation as a celebration of progress and renewed commitment to educational excellence, reaffirming the university’s resolve to remain a leading institution for teacher education in Africa.