By Femi Emmanuel
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, as well as other locations being considered for the proposed study centre.
The delegation 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 during the inspection, Oba Olaoye said the proposed study centre would create greater opportunities for residents, particularly young people and adults, to pursue higher education without having to relocate outside Ogbomoso.
The monarch commended the committee led by the Asipa of Ogbomosoland, Chief Sir Olusegun Adekunle, for its commitment to bringing NOUN to the city. He particularly praised Adekunle for his experience, dedication and passion for the project, describing his efforts as vital to the actualisation of the proposed study centre.
Oba Olaoye also appreciated members of the committee, traditional institutions and other stakeholders for their contributions towards advancing the initiative.
Professor Agbam, who led the university team, said the facilities inspected required additional infrastructure, particularly larger halls and more computers, to adequately accommodate students during both computer-based and pen-and-paper examinations.
She urged the committee and other stakeholders to address the identified gaps before the university’s next inspection.
Agbam also commended the people of Ogbomoso for their hospitality and commitment to the project, stressing that adequate facilities were essential to ensuring that students could take their examinations conveniently and effectively.
In his response, Chief Adekunle described the inspection as a significant step towards actualising the proposed NOUN study centre in Ogbomoso. He assured the university delegation that the committee would implement the recommendations and address the identified deficiencies before its next visit.
The Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland, Professor Sola Adepoju, said arrangements were already underway to collaborate with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) on some of the facilities required for the project.
He further disclosed that efforts had commenced towards securing and developing a permanent site for NOUN in Ogbomoso, expressing optimism that the permanent facility could be ready within two years.
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