The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, has made a strong case for the establishment of a National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre in Ogbomoso, as part of efforts to expand access to tertiary education in the ancient town.
The monarch made the call during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of NOUN in Abuja, where he led a delegation of prominent Ogbomoso indigenes and partners in progress.
The visit was facilitated by Dr. Niran Oyekale, an indigene of Ogbomoso, and included the Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, Prof. Adeshola Adepoju, as well as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede.
Oba Olaoye and his delegation were warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi A. Peters, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christine Ofulue, and other members of the university’s management team.
During the engagement, the Soun passionately advocated for Ogbomoso to be considered for a NOUN Study Centre, describing the initiative as a pathway to opportunity, inclusiveness and educational empowerment.
According to the monarch, the proposed study centre would provide flexible and quality tertiary education for the sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland, regardless of age or life circumstances, while also contributing to human capital development and socio-economic growth in the area.
He expressed optimism following NOUN’s positive response, noting that the university’s management had committed to dispatching a delegation to Ogbomoso for an on-the-spot assessment.
The Soun said he was confident that upon meeting the required conditions, the long-cherished aspiration of hosting a NOUN Study Centre in Ogbomoso would soon become a reality.
Oba Olaoye described the move as part of a broader vision to lay sustainable foundations for learning, empowerment and a brighter future for the people of Ogbomosoland.
