The President of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), Ilupeju Ekiti, Dipo Ajayi, an architect, has been commended by the management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for donating the facility for the newly inaugurated study centre in the community.
The inauguration of the special study centre in Ilupeju Ekiti, in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, which held at the weekend, marked the commencement of activities in the facility, according to the university’s consultant on the project, Bukola Oyawoye, a professor and Director of Advancement at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Olufemi Peters, a professor, said the establishment of the study centre symbolises the institution’s unwavering commitment to bringing education to the doorsteps of every Nigerian, regardless of location, background, or circumstance.
Mr Peters, who was represented by his deputy in charge of administration, Shehu Adamu, a professor, described the donation by Mr Ajayi “as a monument of hope and a shining example of how individuals can contribute meaningfully to national development”.
The vice-chancellor 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”.
He noted that the new centre would serve civil servants, artisans, teachers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and others seeking knowledge and empowerment in the true spirit of lifelong learning that NOUN represents worldwide.
The vice-chancellor also appreciated the Ekiti State Government, traditional rulers, and the Ilupeju community for their support and collaboration, urging them to take ownership of the centre and ensure its sustainability.
“The success of this centre will depend on continued partnership. Together, we can make it a model of academic excellence and community development,” he said.
Oyawoye speaks
In her remarks, the NOUN Consultant, Mrs Oyawoye, gave an insightful background on how the centre came into existence, noting that it was born out of a shared vision to bring quality education closer to the people.
Mrs Oyawoye appreciated the initiative and commitment of the donor, saying his passion and determination made the centre a reality. This is as she described the project as a testament to what visionary leadership and community partnership can achieve.
She said; “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”.
The former Commissioner for Environment in Osun State congratulated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti for hosting a federal university centre that provides opportunities for working-class individuals, entrepreneurs, and youths to further their education without barriers of time or location.
She said all courses are available as the centre has commenced various programmes.
Donor dedicates project to mother
Also speaking at the event, the donor, Sir Ajayi, expressed deep gratitude to God and all who made the project possible. He described the centre as a testimony of divine grace and collective effort.
He said: “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. 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”.
He said the dream was driven by a passion to expand access to education and ensure that no community is left behind in the quest for knowledge.
He thanked NOUN management, describing the VC, the governing council Chairman, Isa Yuguda, a former governor, among others, as outstanding leaders, who, he noted, have demonstrated that education is a right, not a privilege.
He also thanked Mrs Oyawoye for what he described as her “intellectual dexterity and tireless coordination.” He also acknowledged his wife, Alaba Ajayi, for her encouragement throughout the project’s execution.
He dedicated the project to his late mother, noting that “the house she left behind has now become the foundation of this centre.”
Sir Ajayi lauded Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for providing an enabling environment, describing the centre as a modest contribution to the governor’s strides in education and community development.
Meanwhile, the NOUN Registrar, Mr. Oladipupo Ajayi, appreciated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti, noting that they are fully prepared for the take-off of the centre.
“We have inspected the facilities and are very pleased with what we have seen,” he said, even as he urges members of the community to spread the gospel and encourage people to enrol.
The Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba David Awe, expressed delight over the siting of the institution in his community, saying it would enhance the town’s educational and economic development. He appreciated NOUN management and all stakeholders who made the project a reality.
The monarch prayed for the donor for his contribution to the community and Nigeria at large.
Award presentation
In appreciation of their contributions, various dignitaries, including the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Habibat Adubiaro, a professor; NOUN vice-chancellor, and his deputy, Messrs Peters and Shehu respectively, as well as the monarch, and Mrs Oyawoye, among others, were presented with awards of recognition.
Present at the occasion were the Spokesman, Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi; Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Joseph Ayodele, a professor; the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, James Aribisala, a professor; Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Felix Ajakaye, Chief Imam of Ifaki-Ekiti, Saliu Suleiman, and President of Ilupeju Development Association, Banji Ogungbemi, among others.
