“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”
By John Odunayo
It was a moment of honour and celebration for the Director of Advancement, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye, as an Ekiti community honoured her with a special award of recognition.
A community leader and the Asiwaju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Arch Dipo Ajayi, stated that the award was in view of the outstanding contributions of Prof. Oyawoye, who is the consultant of the newly commissioned National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre, Ilupeju-Ekiti, to the successful establishment of the centre.
It was all smiles and praises for the amazon as the award was conferred on her during the official inauguration ceremony of the NOUN Special Study Centre which held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Ilupeju-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Education, service, and philanthropy were celebrated at the event which was graced by top government functionaries, academics, traditional rulers, and community leaders, celebrated.
The colourful event also featured the cutting of the ribbon, cultural performances and presentation of awards to notable personalities including the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba David Sunday Awe; Mrs Alaba Ajayi, and several others who supported the establishment of the centre.
The diligence, intellectual leadership and strategic guidance of Prof. Oyawoye who played a central role in conceptualizing, coordinating, and actualizing the Ilupeju-Ekiti Special Study Centre, were widely acknowledged by both the NOUN management and the host community.
In her remarks, the don, Prof. Oyawoye, who welcomed dignitaries to the inauguration, commissioning, said that the centre was borne out of a shared vision to make quality education accessible to all, irrespective of location or background.
Oyawoye 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”.
She commended Arc. (Sir) Dipo Ajayi, the donor and facilitator of the centre, for his selfless investment and passion for community development, describing him as a visionary whose gesture has created a lasting educational legacy.
Oyawoye noted that the collaboration among NOUN, the Ilupeju community and committed individuals demonstrated the power of partnership in driving development.
Presenting the award to Prof. Oyawoye, the NOUN delegation and community leaders extolled her exceptional coordination, leadership and steadfast commitment that ensured the timely completion and smooth take-off of the centre.
They described her as a bridge-builder between academia and community development, whose passion continues to inspire others.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, commended Oyawoye for professionalism and dedication.
The VC said that Oyawoye’s contribution reflected the very ideals of the NOUN inclusiveness, excellence, and lifelong learning.
With the successful take-off of the NOUN Special Study Centre in Ilupeju-Ekiti, Prof. Oyawoye’s name now stands among the distinguished individuals driving educational transformation and promoting access to lifelong learning across Nigeria.
