29/07/2026
SÒÚN OF OGBOMOSOLAND INAUGURATES 13-MEMBER BOARD TO ESTABLISH NOUN COMMUNITY STUDY CENTRE
Ogbomoso, Nigeria | 23 July 2026
In a landmark move aimed at expanding access to quality higher education and accelerating human capital development, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, the Sòún of Ogbomosoland, has inaugurated a distinguished 13-member Board to drive the establishment of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Community Study Centre in Ogbomosoland.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in the monarch’s vision of transforming Ogbomosoland into a nationally recognised hub for educational excellence, innovation, digital
learning, entrepreneurship, and sustainable socio-economic development.
The Board brings together eminent professionals from academia, government, international development, technology, education, finance, and community leadership. Their wealth of
experience and proven leadership are expected to provide the strategic direction required to deliver a world-class Community Study Centre that will serve not only Ogbomosoland but neighbouring communities and beyond.
The proposed NOUN Community Study Centre is conceived as a flagship institution for Open and Distance Learning (ODL), equipped with modern learning facilities, smart classrooms, digital infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship hubs, research support services, and community-based educational programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of learners in the 21st century.
While inaugurating the Board, His Imperial Majesty charged members to approach the
assignment with vision, dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
He emphasized that the establishment of the Study Centre is not merely an educational project but a strategic investment in the future of Ogbomosoland—one that will create greater educational opportunities for youths and adults, promote digital inclusion, strengthen workforce development, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Board has been mandated to engage with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), coordinate relevant stakeholders, mobilise institutional and community support, facilitate regulatory compliance, develop implementation strategies, and provide oversight for the successful establishment and sustainable operation of the Study Centre.
As part of the inauguration ceremony, members of the Board were formally presented with the Concept Note and Terms of Reference, which outline the strategic objectives, governance framework, implementation roadmap, and expected deliverables for the initiative.
The Palace expresses strong confidence that the calibre, experience, and commitment of the Board members will ensure the successful realization of this transformative project, positioning
Ogbomosoland as a leading centre for accessible university education, digital innovation, lifelong learning, and knowledge-driven development in Nigeria.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
1. Chief Barr. Olusegun Adekunle, OON, KJW
Ashipa of Ogbomosoland; Former Chairman, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency
Initiative (NEITI) — Chairman
2. Dr. Angela Ajala
Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, National Commission for Colleges of
Education (NCCE) — Vice Chairman
3. Chief Prof. Shola Adepoju
Former Director-General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN); Asiwaju of
Ogbomosoland — Member
4. Prof. Adepoju Adeyanju
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Galaxy Backbone Limited — Member
5. Dr. Bunmi Ajala
National Director, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics — Member
6. Alhaji Sh*ttu Alimi
Bashorun Musulumi of Ogbomosoland; Member, Sòún-in-Council — Member
7. Dr. Niran Oyekale
ARSO Technical Expert (TC 46); Executive Chairman, Commit Technology & Consult Ltd. — Secretary
8. Mr. Deji Adegun
Head, Project Management and Reporting, Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership —
Member
9. Prof. Olatunde Adekola
Senior Education Specialist (Retired), World Bank Africa Region — Member
10. Mr. Adebayo Ishola
Chief Internal Auditor, African Development Bank (AfDB) Headquarters — Member
11. Mrs. Victoria Bamidele Shin-Aba
Aviation Consultant, Trans-Africa Aviation Consultants Limited; First Female Regional
Manager (South-West), FAAN — Member
12. Mr. Boluwaji Ige
Personal Assistant to His Imperial Majesty — Member
13. Mrs. Adebola Irene Elegbede
Education Administration Specialist — Member
The establishment of the NOUN Community Study Centre underscores the unwavering
commitment of His Imperial Majesty to promoting inclusive education, empowering young people and working professionals through flexible learning opportunities, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable community transformation.
Upon completion, the Centre is expected to
serve as a catalyst for educational advancement, digital empowerment, entrepreneurship, and regional economic growth.
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