From left: Ex DVC, Prof. Butswat, Arch. Sir Ajayi, the DVC (Admin), Prof. Adamu, Registrar, Mr. Ajayi, among others during the inauguration ceremony

Ilupeju-Ekiti, Ekiti State – The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) continues its mission to democratize education with the commissioning of a new Special Study Centre in Ilupeju-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The inauguration, held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, signifies a significant step in NOUN's commitment to providing accessible education to all Nigerians, regardless of their location, background, or personal circumstances.

Speaking through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters underscored the institution's unwavering dedication to bringing quality education to the doorstep of every Nigerian. "With the commissioning of the Ilepeju-Ekiti Special Study Centre," Prof. Peters stated, "we take yet another significant step toward that goal."

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the transformative power of the new facility. "Today is not merely about cutting a ribbon; it is about expanding the frontiers of access to quality education, about hope rekindled, and about one man’s vision and generosity turning into a legacy for generations to come.”

Acknowledging the vital role of individual contributions, Prof. Peters added, “Every great institution grows not only through government support but also through the vision, goodwill, and sacrifice of individuals who believe in the transformative power of education".

The establishment of the centre was facilitated by Arch. Sir Asiwaju Dipo Ajayi, a native of Ilupeju-Ekiti. Prof. Peters lauded Ajayi as “not only a son of Ilepeju- Ekiti but a true Nigerian patriot—a man whose heart beats for the upliftment of his community.  Through his selfless contribution, this centre now stands as a beacon of opportunity for the youth and adults of Ekiti State and beyond."

Prof. Peters further highlighted the lasting impact of Ajayi's generosity: "Arch. Sir Asiwaju Dipo Ajayi’s gesture is a reminder that greatness is not measured by what we acquire, but by what we give. In choosing to invest his resources in education, he has touched lives he may never meet and has planted a seed that will bear fruit for decades."

The new centre is poised to serve a diverse population, including civil servants, artisans, teachers, entrepreneurs, and retirees, offering them opportunities for knowledge acquisition and empowerment. The Vice-Chancellor stated the new centre will open the doors of learning to civil servants, artisans, teachers, entrepreneurs, retirees and anyone who seeks knowledge and empowerment, describing this as the true spirit of lifelong learning that NOUN stands for.

Prof. Peters urged the community to embrace the centre and safeguard its future. “Let the story of this town inspire others—that when individuals and institutions unite for the common good, entire communities are transformed," the VC added.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including His Royal Majesty, Oba David Sunday Awe Akingbade LL, the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti; Royal Chiefs; Arch. Sir, Asiwaju Dipo Ajayi; NOUN Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, representing the Vice-Chancellor; immediate-past DVC (Administration), Prof. Isaac Butswat; Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi; and Mrs. Modupe, along with other members of staff.