In the heartland of Ogun State, a grave injustice unfolds, a betrayal that strikes at the very heart of Tai Solarin’s legacy. The recent decision to increase tuition fees at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) threatens to extinguish the beacon of hope that this institution has represented for decades. This move undermines the spirit of Tai Solarin, who devoted his life to providing education for all, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Tai Solarin, a name etched in the annals of Nigerian education, was a visionary who understood that education was the key to breaking the chains of ignorance and poverty. His tireless dedication to uplifting society through education led to the founding of this very institution. For years, TASUED stood as a testament to his principles, a place where education was accessible to all, regardless of their financial means.
The recent tuition hike, however, paints a grim picture of a different ideology at play. Instead of continuing Tai Solarin’s legacy of providing affordable education for all, the university administration has chosen a path that undermines the dreams and aspirations of countless young Nigerians. In this era of economic hardship, where the minimum wage is a mere N33,000 and the cost of living continues to soar, such a fee increase is nothing short of a betrayal.
It is worth remembering that Ogun State, with its rich history of educational excellence, has been a pioneer in the quest for equitable access to education. The state’s educational tradition has produced some of Nigeria’s finest scholars, and this legacy must be upheld.
The implications of this betrayal are far-reaching. It is an affront to the hopes and aspirations of countless young minds who seek to break the cycle of poverty and ignorance through education. It perpetuates a system where only the privileged can access quality education, while the majority is left behind. It undermines the very essence of what Tai Solarin stood for.
Ogunwatch calls upon the citizens of Ogun State to unite against this injustice. It is a moment for collective action to preserve the legacy of Tai Solarin, a legacy that champions the principle of education for all. Let us remember the sacrifices of those who came before us, the visionaries who dedicated their lives to ensuring that education remains a fundamental right, not a privilege.
In these challenging times, Ogunwatch proudly extends its unwavering support to the students of TASUED and their pursuit of accessible education. We are here to amplify their voices, to be their advocates in the fight for affordable education.
Just as Tai Solarin’s vision once opened the doors of knowledge to all, we, too, join in harmony with the students’ call for fairness. Together, we navigate through the storm, carrying the torch of hope, united in our determination to restore the principles of equitable and accessible education.
We urge the state government to intervene and demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of Tai Solarin and the history of Ogun State as a stronghold of education. Education should never be a luxury reserved for the elite but a right accessible to all. Reversing this unjust tuition hike is the first step in upholding the principles that have guided our great state for generations.
The betrayal of Tai Solarin’s legacy is a dark stain on Ogun State’s history. It is a betrayal of the ideals that have driven our commitment to education for all. Let us stand together to ensure that the flame of education continues to burn brightly, as a beacon of hope for all Ogun indigenes.
