Oyo Community Welcomes NOUN Study Centre As Monarch, Residents Lead Inauguration
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof Shehu Usman Adamu representing the Vice Chancellor Prof Olufemi Peters, on Saturday in Fiditi Town, Oyo state, rallied the residents of the town led by its monarch, OniFiditi of Fiditi, HRM Oba Sakirulai Oyewole Oyelere, as well as, eminent dignitaries from all walks of life, to inaugurate a NOUN Study Centre for the community.
The glamorous formal public commissioning was done after the DVC had facilitated approval of the operating licence for the centre in the community, a gesture described as monumental as it has quenched the residents’ thirst for an institution of higher learning.
Many dignitaries joined the monarch at the epochal event, among them: Prof Shehu Usman Adamu; Coordinator, Fiditi Study Center NOUN, Prof John Ademola Oluokun; Director, Center for Human Resources Development, Kaduna, Prof Umar Aminu; Chairman BOYEF, Engr. Lateef Busari; Sen. Dr. Bode Olajumoke; National President FIGSOSA, Engr Tade Ipadeola and Project Executive NOUN Fiditi Study Center, Ayobami Olubiyi, as well as, and members of his committee and other top officials of NOUN from Abuja.
While welcoming the delightful dignitaries to the venue, Oba Oyelere appreciated the Almighty God, “the giver of life and wisdom, for granting us the privilege to witness this historic commissioning of the Fiditi Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria. I extend my deepest appreciation to the good people of Fiditi Homeland, whose steadfast support and unity have made this day possible. I also pay special tribute to our dear friend and the Most Distinguished Senator, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, for his unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in ensuring that this vision has become a reality. Truly, today we celebrate not only the birth of an institution but the dawn of new opportunities for our people”.
The monarch encouraged all Fiditi indigenes and indeed the entire Oyo Central Senatorial District and Oyo State in general who are aspiring for higher learning “to dust off their certificates and prepare to register once admission opens. Education remains the bedrock of development, and together we must seize this opportunity to uplift our community, empower our youth, and strengthen our future.
We shall work hand in hand to nurture and grow this Study Centre, and by the grace of God, we shall excel. As the Lord lives, this is only the beginning. We have many more projects to execute, and with the same spirit of unity and determination that has brought us here today, we shall accomplish them together”.
In his address, the Chairman Fiditi Study Centre Committee, Prof John Ademola Oluokun, said, “No doubt about it the location of the study centre in Fiditi will quench our thirst to some extent for an institution of higher learning. I know that our dream for a full fledged conventional University either government owned or privately owned will knock at our door one day.
He appreciated the great donors who made the project a reality, including: “Unity Bank which renovated Science building; Late Chief Pekun Adesokan who renovated Computer building; Alhaji Dr. Ademola Alli who sponsored Kiosk construction; Alhaji Aare Omiteru, Bishop S. Adegbite, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Engr. Olufemi Babalola Jogor, Rear Admiral Babatunde Egbedina, among others.
The Project Execution Executive, Ayobami Olubiyi, x-rayed the journey culminated in the inauguration of the Study Center, noting that “it began in September 2023, and was marked by resilience, collaboration, and faith, but each challenge strengthened our resolve”, adding that, ” We look forward with anticipation to admitting the first set of students in the third quarter of 2026. This milestone will mark the beginning of a new chapter, where dreams are nurtured, potentials are unlocked, and futures are shaped”, he said.
Giving his remarks, the facilitator of Bode Olajumoke Youth Empowerment Foundation and an Old student of Fiditi Grammar School, Sen. Dr. Bode Olajumoke, thanked Professor Olufemi Peters for the honour of granting the community’s request, while seizing the opportunity to congratulate the indigenes and resident of Fiditi Town for the remarkable feat. He urged them to make good use of the opportunity of the higher institution sited in their domain to upgrade themselves.