Senator Gbenga Daniel receives Public Service Award for transforming Tai-Solarin College to a university, laying foundation for federal status recognition

Public Service Award was conferred upon the former Ogun State governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Gbenga Daniel, in recognition of his enduring legacy in education and governance.

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The award, presented on Monday, August 25, 2025, by the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) – TASUED Chapter, honoured OGD for his pivotal role in the transformation of Tai-Solarin College of Education into Tai-Solarin University of Education (TASUED).

This strategic uplift laid the groundwork for its recent elevation to a Federal University by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Receiving the award on his behalf, Dr. Comrade Niyi-Osoba highlighted Senator Daniel’s visionary leadership and selfless dedication to public service, particularly in enhancing the value and capacity of tertiary education in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

“Senator Gbenga Daniel was honoured for his visionary commitment to educational growth, especially for initiating the process that led to TASUED’s elevation to federal status,” Niyi-Osoba said.

The ceremony also honoured a number of prominent individuals for their service, including:

• Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI)
• Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo
• Hon. Lukman Olalekan Adeleye
• Oluomo Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun
• Hon. Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi
• Lion Lamidi Dele Tajudeen
• Senator Ganiyu Olarenwaju Solomon (GOS)

The event, chaired by Hon. Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health and Sciences, Azare, featured key thought leaders and academics.

Barr. Kayode Oladele, Acting Chairman, Federal Character Commission, delivered the keynote.

Otunba Segun Sowunmi, public affairs analyst, and Prof. Obatunde Bright Adetola of Olabisi Onabanjo University served as discussants.

In attendance were TASUED Vice Chancellor Prof. Oluwole Banjo, University Registrar Mr. Oladapo Oke, and ANUPA Chairman Comrade Yomi Obasan.

ASUU Chairman, Associate Prof. Adewale Ositoye, also graced the event.

This Public Service Excellence Award adds to the growing list of honours bestowed upon Senator Daniel.

It affirms his charismatic, people-first political leadership that blends infrastructural development with human capital empowerment.

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As Senator Gbenga Daniel continues to serve his constituents at the national level, his past achievements — such as spearheading the transformation of TASCE — remain a powerful symbol of what visionary governance can achieve in Nigeria’s educational sector.