Chairman of the Governing Council, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Emeritus Peter Okebukola, other council members, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, and some directors have visited the three proposed facilities to serve as study centres in Ikorodu and Badagary, Lagos State.
The visits, which took place between June 21 and 22, 202 was in line with the university’s expansion drive by establishing new study centres in various regions of the country.
The team first visited Igbobo Area, Ikorodu, where the Chiefs and other delegates from the Ikorodu Palace welcomed the entourage.
The VC, Prof. Peters, introduced the Chairman of Homat Group of Schools, Mr. Olawole Hamsat to the university council members and both parties exchanged pleasantries.
During the discussion, Prof. Okebukola underpinned the importance of having a study centre of the university in the area, as most NOUN students come from the locality.
Responding, Olawole, who took the team round the Centre Based Test hall (CBT), stated that releasing part of the property to the university will be of huge benefit to the residents as they’ll be able to access higher education in area.
He took all present on a tour of the facility and explained the intake capacity of the facility.
At the end of the tour, Council Chairman and the VC disclosed that the proposed facility is under consideration, stressing that if everything goes according to plan, all work should be done by August so that the study centre can commence operation in September.
The second visit was along Igbogbo road where a proposed land is situated.
The VC introduced the land owner, Arch. Biodun Jaguna to the NOUN team.
Prof. Okebukola made inquiries about the land and was told it is a 4000sq meter space, which prompted an instant vote of confidence as the group saw it fit to house a befitting study centre for the university.
The following day, the entourage traveled to Badagary to inspect the building that is to become the new study centre in the area.
The Chairman of Council met with Hon. Adeniran Oluwasegun at Ajaraveve Area in Badagary, who took the group to the venue.
Prof. Okebukola stated that the study centre will be put in place in August and it will commence operation in the month of September this year.
The entourage, later, paid homage to the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu – Toyi1, OFR, his Chiefs and other members at his Palace.
The Akran and Prof. Okebukola shared pleasantries and fond memories.
He later introduced the team to the king for recognition and addressed the purpose for the visit, which is to establish a study centre in his kingdom.
The Eighty-five-year old Akran welcomed all the guests and appreciated them for the visit; even as he gave a royal blessing to their plans.
One of his Chiefs gave the vote of thanks and prayed for the university.
At the end of the meeting, a group photograph was taken with the King, Chiefs and other members before the team’s departure.
