American Open University (A-Global) opens skill and liaison center in Ogbomoso

American Open University (A-Global) opens skill and liaison center in Ogbomoso

Yinka ADETUNJI

Center positions Ogbomoso youth for the global digital economy; Soun of Ogbomosoland endorses initiative as part of his 25-year development agenda

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American Open University (A-Global), the NUC-licensed open and distance learning university, Saturday, October 10, 2026, formally opened its Ogbomoso Center at High School Area, Ogbomoso. The center is the first community skill and liaison center operated by the University, and it will serve Ogbomoso and surrounding communities as a hub for information, inquiries, learner support, and technology skills training.

The opening, themed “Repositioning Ogbomoso for the Global Economy,” drew traditional, academic, and community leaders. The Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, was represented by the Abese of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Kasali Oladipupo, who performed the symbolic cutting of the tape. He commended the initiative and the choice of Ogbomoso, affirming that it aligns with the Soun’s 25-year development plan and agenda for the historic city.

Keynote: Ogbomoso is ready for the global economy

Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Repositioning Ogbomoso for the Global Economy,” Prof. Adeolu Afolabi of the Department of Cybersecurity, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), described the center as a laudable development in the right direction and one of the developments anticipated in the Soun’s 25-year development plan for Ogbomosoland.

“The Ogbomoso Education Development Plan is a strong vision and passion of His Imperial Majesty, and this vision is expressed by this feat, particularly with a view to providing global and technology leverage in tertiary education,” he said.

Prof. Afolabi noted that Ogbomoso is well positioned to take advantage of the emerging global economy, citing its population, its trading and agricultural strength in crops such as cashew, mango, cassava, and yam, its favorable climate, and its educational landmarks.

“The coming of American Open University to Ogbomoso will further foster Ogbomoso’s repositioning for global academic, technology, and economic impact. As an open university, it provides a framework and a hub for hybrid learning driven by modern asynchronous learning infrastructure. This will foster collaboration and skills development and broaden the inclusion of Ogbomoso people in technology and academic development, for global and local relevance in solving the existential challenges of our time,” he said.

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Chancellor: the future belongs to the technologically prepared

The Chancellor of American Open University, Prof. David Seyi Akanbi, said the journey to establish the University began eleven years ago and culminated in the grant of its provisional operating license by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2025. The Ogbomoso Center, he said, is the first community center operated by the University and will serve as a liaison point for information, inquiries, and learner support, and as a technology skills center for the community.

“Over half of today’s jobs are at risk of being transformed or displaced by automation, and higher technical skills and adaptive competencies are becoming vital for individual and societal growth. The demand for tech-savvy, future-ready professionals has never been greater. Technology is transforming every sector of life, and the pace of change will only accelerate in the years ahead,” he said.

Prof. Akanbi observed that social media platforms, global e-commerce systems, and mobile applications are redefining today’s economy, and that this trend will continue. He stressed the urgent need to redesign education to prepare people for that future.

“This is the reason American Open University exists. Our mission is to develop an employable, competitive, and globally relevant workforce for the digital economy. Put simply, we help you start a new career; if you already have a career, we help you accelerate and advance it; and if you are currently stuck, we help you pivot into a new career in technology,” he said.

He added that the University engages with industry partners, collaborates on research, and creates opportunities for innovation and talent development. Its programs, he said, emphasize applied learning, competency verification, and professional pathways that help students graduate with demonstrable skills and workforce-ready portfolios.

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Ogbomoso Scholarship

To make the opportunity affordable, the University announced the Ogbomoso Scholarship for residents of Ogbomoso: a 75 percent tuition scholarship on all undergraduate programs and a 60 percent tuition scholarship on all postgraduate programs. Candidates apply for admission through the normal process. Once admitted, they apply for the Ogbomoso Scholarship, and the award is applied to their student portal to reduce their tuition. The admission process is unchanged; the scholarship takes effect after admission.

Programs

American Open University offers NUC-approved bachelor’s degree programs in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Business Information Technology.

At the postgraduate level, the University offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Information Technology (MIT), and Master of Public Administration (MPA).

Through The EDGE Institute, its training arm, the University also offers professional certificate programs in Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, eLearning Development, AI Development and Deployment, and Agile Project Management.

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Royal endorsement

Speaking on behalf of the Soun, the Abese of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Kasali Oladipupo, said that since His Imperial Majesty’s ascension to the throne, Ogbomoso has enjoyed renewed development focus under an agenda spanning seven priority areas, including economic development and education.

“Desiring that Ogbomoso is not left behind, His Imperial Majesty encouraged the establishment of the American Open University center in Ogbomoso. At the recent Ogbomoso Education Summit, he committed to increasing the involvement of Ogbomoso youths and integrating them into the global economy. This center is one expression of that commitment,” he said.

He added that the Soun’s presence has encouraged Ogbomoso indigenes in the diaspora to bring their resources home and invest in the city.

About American Open University (A-Global)

American Open University is a career-focused, industry-engaged and competency-based private university licensed and recognized by the Nigerian National Universities Commission (NUC). Degrees awarded by American Open University are recognized nationally on the same footing as those of other private and public universities. Headquartered in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with its Global Campus in Ibadan and its Metro Campus in Abeokuta, the University delivers flexible online, on-campus, and hybrid learning. Its mission is to develop an employable, competitive, and globally relevant workforce for the digital economy. The Ogbomoso Center is the University’s first community skill and liaison center.

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