Kunle Adelabu
A centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is set to berth in Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, soon.
THE IMPACT gathered that the centre would take off in September or the last quarter of the year within one of the properties donated by the HOMAT Group of Schools in Igbogbo, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
It was also gathered that NOUN has secured a landed property beside the Primero Limited along the Ikorodu – Lagos Road for its permanent site.
When it eventually commences operations, it would make it the third Universities in Ikorodu Division, with CALEB University, a private University in Imota, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) owned by the Lagos State Government and formerly Lagos State Polytechnic, already on ground.
THE IMPACT can authoritatively report that the final inspection of the HOMAT facilities took place weeks back, when a high – powered NOUN team led by Prof. Peter Okebukola, a distinguished professor of Science and Computer Education at Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission and Chairman of Council of National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Olufemi A. Peters, Vice Chancellor of the University, Members of the Governing Council and others paid a surprised visit to the HOMAT Basic School.
The team, which came in two luxurious buses, after the tour commended what they found on ground as adequate for the take – off of the programme.
We gathered that the team commended the facilities available at the HOMAT schools.
Efforts to establish the Ikorodu Campus of NOUN started when it was heard that the management of the institution were planning to established another centre of the institution in Lagos, hence, the request by the HOMAT management which culminated into several visits by the NOUN team to the facilities.
It was gathered that the NOUN team had visited the facilities at HOMAT on many occasions to ascertain there suitability for the take – off of the University.
Speaking with Alhaji Olawale Amusa, he confirmed the visit of the team and also disclosed that efforts to bring the institution to Ikorodu Division started long time ago.
He also confirmed the donation of the building for the take-off of the centre.
“Yes, it is true that NOUN will have one of its centres in Ikorodu. It’s something that started long time ago and they had visited here (HOMAT Basic School) many times to see the capacity that we have”, the HOMAT CEO said.
“Their last visit was about some weeks ago when they came unannounced in two luxurious buses. They did not call me until they arrived here. Members of the Adeboruwa – in – Council also joined us, so also was Prof. Ajetunmobi”.
He stated that he made the facility available for the use of the university so that Ikorodu Division would not to lose out the opportunity of having the institution in its vicinity.
“I am aware that NOUN has procured a property for the permanent site of the institution in Ikorodu, but that would take time before it’s completed. I have made my property available for the purpose of bringing the institution here which will benefit many residents.
“It’s important that we don’t lose out of the opportunity to bring the institution to Ikorodu and it’s something that we have been on for a while before it was finally approved”.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, has also welcomed the institution.
“It is a welcome development to entire people of Igbogbo, Ikorodu and the generality of Ikorodu Division. The institution would provide a very good opportunity for our people who are yet to have university education to enrol in the institution and learn at their own pace and also those who want to further more”, the royal father said.
“It is a huge development and an addition to Lagos State University of Science & Technology (LASUSTECH) and the CALEB University in Imota which is a private institution, which we already have in the division.
“We are fully in support of the development and that is why I sent high delegation to welcome them the last time that they came to the HOMAT on final inspection of the centre. We are expecting them to commence any time soon”, Oba Kasali added.
High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo, who led the Adeboruwa delegation that welcomed the NOUN team led by Prof. Okebukola, also expressed his happiness over the development.
“We are very elated and happy with the development. It proves that Ikorodu Division is expanding and that great things are still coming. This is a very big contribution to the educational development in Igbogbo and entire Ikorodu Division”, said Odofin Onasanya.
“We, as traditional and community leaders, are ready to work with the Adeboruwa to give maximum support to the NOUN management in having a good stay and conducive atmosphere in Igbogbo.
“It is something that we are really proud of and looking forward to. Although, Prof. Okebukola and his team assured us when they came for the final inspection during which l led the Adeboruwa delegation to receive them, that they are satisfied with the facilities on ground and that the institution would commence soon”, he added.
