Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State has directed relevant officials to immediately commence the search for a temporary site for a National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centre in Aba.
Otti gave the directive while receiving the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Uduma, who paid him a courtesy visit at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Mr Ambrose Gowong, Head of NOUN New Media Unit, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that the governor’s decision followed a request by the vice-chancellor for policy direction on establishing a study centre in Aba.
Otti directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education and the Managing Director of the Greater Aba Development Authority to begin the process for a temporary site, pending the acquisition of a permanent facility.
The governor described Aba as a major commercial hub that should not be without a NOUN study centre.
Otti noted that open and distance learning had evolved significantly with the aid of technology, including platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom.
“In view of the role NOUN is playing in advancing education, it is imperative that Aba has a study centre,” he said.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to educational development through the recruitment, training and retraining of teachers.
Otti assured the university of the state government’s full support towards the establishment of the centre in Aba.
The governor also directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education to liaise with the management of the Umuahia study centre to identify areas where the state could assist in improving facilities.
Earlier, Prof. Uduma said he was in the state to seek government support and policy direction for the establishment of a study centre in Aba.
He said NOUN was committed to expanding access to education through open and distance learning, while promoting inclusiveness.
According to him, study centres serve as critical access points, and Aba, being one of the largest cities in the country, deserves such a facility.
Uduma added that the institution was willing to partner with governments and organisations to broaden educational opportunities.
He also highlighted the growing global importance of open and distance learning, noting that many universities now operate a dual mode of education delivery.
The vice-chancellor thanked the governor for the warm reception and for granting the university an audience despite his busy schedule.
