As part of its ongoing drive to extend access to quality tertiary education across Nigeria, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has inaugurated a new study centre in Ilupeju-Ekiti, located in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The new centre, which was officially opened at the weekend, marks another milestone in NOUN’s mission to democratise higher education and provide flexible learning opportunities for Nigerians irrespective of location, background, or social circumstance.
Speaking during the inauguration, NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Shehu Usman Adamu, described the establishment of the Ilupeju-Ekiti Centre as a symbol of the university’s enduring commitment to making education accessible to all.
Professor Peters explained that the centre became a reality through the generous donation of a building by Architect Sir Dipo Ajayi, a native of Ilupeju-Ekiti and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ilupeju Development Association (IDA).
While commending the donor, the Vice-Chancellor described his contribution as “a monument of hope and a shining example of how individuals can meaningfully contribute to national development.”
He added, “Today is not merely about cutting a ribbon; it is about expanding the frontiers of access to quality education, rekindling hope, and celebrating one man’s generosity that will become a legacy for generations to come.”
According to him, the centre will serve civil servants, artisans, teachers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and other lifelong learners seeking empowerment through education. He further urged community members and stakeholders to sustain their support, stressing that the success of the centre would depend on continued partnership and collective ownership.
In her remarks, Professor Olubukola Oyawoye, NOUN Consultant in charge of the new centre and Director of Advancement at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), provided an overview of how the initiative came to life. She noted that the project was driven by a shared vision to bring higher education closer to the grassroots.
Professor Oyawoye, who is also a former Commissioner for Environment in Osun State, expressed gratitude to the donor for his commitment, describing the project as “a testament to what visionary leadership and community partnership can achieve.”
She added, “Education remains the strongest tool for community transformation and national progress. With this centre, we are giving every willing learner a chance to rewrite their story through knowledge.”
Professor Oyawoye congratulated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti for hosting a federal university facility that offers flexible study opportunities to working-class individuals, entrepreneurs, and young people who may not have the time or means to pursue full-time education. She also confirmed that the centre has commenced academic programmes across various disciplines.
In his remarks, Architect Sir Dipo Ajayi, the donor, expressed profound gratitude to God and all who supported the project. He described the centre as both a product of divine grace and collective effort.
“With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I return all glory to the Almighty God, the giver of vision, wisdom, and strength, who alone makes all things beautiful in His time,” he said. “Today is not merely a day for commissioning a building; it is a day of thanksgiving, fulfilment, and divine grace. Only God could have made this journey possible, from conception to realisation.”
Ajayi revealed that the project was dedicated to his late mother, explaining that “the house she left behind has now become the foundation of this centre.” He also commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for providing an enabling environment for educational development, describing the initiative as a modest contribution to the governor’s strides in promoting learning and community growth.
Also speaking, the Registrar of NOUN, Mr. Oladipupo Ajayi, lauded the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti for their readiness to embrace the new centre. “We have inspected the facilities and are very pleased with what we have seen,” he said, urging residents to promote the new institution and encourage enrolment among prospective students.
The Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba David Sunday Awe (Akingbade II), expressed joy over the siting of the study centre in his community, describing it as a catalyst for educational and economic development. The monarch thanked NOUN management and all stakeholders for their roles in bringing the project to fruition and offered prayers for the donor’s continued success.
During the event, several dignitaries, including Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro, the NOUN Vice-Chancellor and his deputy, as well as Professor Oyawoye and the community’s traditional ruler, were presented with awards of recognition in appreciation of their contributions to education and community development.
The establishment of the Ilupeju-Ekiti Study Centre is expected to strengthen NOUN’s presence in Ekiti State and expand access to quality, flexible, and affordable university education in line with the federal government’s agenda of inclusive learning.
