The long-anticipated effort to establish a campus of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Ile-Ife has recorded a major breakthrough, as Iyanfoworogi has officially been approved as the location for the institution’s proposed campus.
The announcement was made by The Ife Intellectuals (TII) on behalf of the Working Committee led by Sooko Kemade Elugbaju, following months of consultations, stakeholder engagements, and site assessments aimed at bringing the federal institution to the ancient city.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of The Ife Intellectuals, Basir Lawal Odugbile, the journey towards securing the university campus began through collaborative efforts involving TII, Sooko Kemade Elugbaju, and other notable stakeholders who facilitated discussions and introduced a consultant to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in pursuit of the project.
As part of the approval process, officials of the National Open University of Nigeria recently visited Ile-Ife to conduct a physical assessment of locations proposed by the host community. During the exercise, six different sites were presented to the university team by an Ife Community delegation led by Sooko Kemade Elugbaju, alongside Sooko Laekun Prince Ogunwusi, Ife Development Board (IDB) Secretary Mr. Lawrence Omidiora, and Chairman of The Ife Intellectuals, Muyiwa Adeniran.
Following a detailed inspection and evaluation of the proposed locations, the university authorities selected Iyanfoworogi as the most suitable site for the establishment of the campus.
Sources familiar with the development further disclosed that academic activities are expected to commence immediately from an existing secondary school facility within Iyanfoworogi while construction of the permanent campus infrastructure progresses.
In another significant development, it was gathered that the project will be fully funded, equipped, and developed by the Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), effectively removing the burden of fundraising from the host community.
The approval represents a major educational milestone for Ile-Ife and surrounding communities. Beyond expanding access to higher education, the proposed campus is expected to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities, attract students and professionals, and further strengthen Ile-Ife’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of learning and intellectual development.
For many stakeholders who have worked behind the scenes to make the project a reality, the approval of the site marks the beginning of a new chapter in the educational growth of the ancient city.
With academic activities expected to commence soon and permanent structures on the horizon, residents and stakeholders across Ile-Ife are celebrating what many describe as a transformative development for future generations.
