The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has inspected facilities proposed for the establishment of a study centre in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as part of efforts to expand access to tertiary education in Ogbomosoland.
The inspection, conducted on Tuesday, was led by the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, who was represented by the Director of Learner Support Services, Professor Tessy Agbam. Other members of the delegation included Tunde Ononaye, representing the Director, and Opeyemi Ajala, representing the Registrar.
The team inspected the Jokodolu Foundation building at Aroje, along the old Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, and other locations being considered for the centre. The visit was received by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, alongside representatives of traditional rulers from the five Local Government Areas of Ogbomosoland and members of the Soun-in-Council.
Speaking on the development, Oba Olaoye said the initiative would create greater opportunities for residents, particularly young people and adults, to access higher education without relocating outside the area.
The monarch commended the committee led by the Asipa of Ogbomosoland, Chief Sir Olusegun Adekunle, for its commitment to bringing NOUN to Ogbomoso. He particularly praised Adekunle for his experience, dedication and passion for the assignment, describing his efforts as vital to the drive to establish a NOUN presence in Ogbomoso. He also appreciated other members of the committee and stakeholders for their contributions towards the initiative.
Professor Agbam said the inspected facilities required additional infrastructure, particularly larger halls and more computers, to accommodate students during both computer-based and pen-on-paper examinations. She urged the committee and other stakeholders to address the identified gaps before the university’s next inspection.
Agbam also commended the community for its hospitality and commitment to the project, stressing that adequate facilities would be necessary to ensure that students could undertake their examinations conveniently.
Chief Adekunle described the inspection as a significant step towards actualising the proposed study centre, assuring that the committee would implement the recommendations of the university before its next visit.
The Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, Professor Sola Adepoju, said arrangements were ongoing to collaborate with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) on some of the facilities required. He added that efforts had commenced towards securing and developing a permanent NOUN site in Ogbomoso, with optimism that the facility could be ready within two years.
