The Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR has directed the commissioner Tertiary Education and the Managing Director, Greater Aba Development Authority to commence search for a temporary site for the location of a study centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Aba, pending the building of a befitting Centre in the area.
The directive followed the request of the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma for a policy direction in citing a study centre of university in Aba.
Dr. Alex Otti added that Aba being a major commercial hub in the state cannot afford the luxury of being behind without a centre of NOUN.
He noted that “Open and distance learning over the years has transformed over the years using technology. Applications like the Google meet, zoom etc has facilitated meetings and the transfer of knowledge. In view of the role NOUN is playing in advancing education, it’s no brainer, Aba has to get a study centre.
“As a responsible government, the state is committed to educational development through the hiring, training and retraining of teachers. We will provide all the support you need (NOUN) for the actualisation of a centre in Aba”.
The Governor also Directed the commissioner Tertiary Education in the state Prof. Uche Uche in the direction of the Umuahia Study Centre of the university and see how the government can assist with the improvement of facilities for a better learning environment.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma who was on a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR at his country home in Umuehim, Nvosi Isiala-Ngwa South LGA Abia State, had told the Governor that NOUN does not only pride itself in education through open and distance learning alone but access and inclusiveness in all of its activities by carrying everyone along.
“The study centres are instruments of access and Aba being one of the largest cities in the country cannot be denied such access to education.
“NOUN as an institution that reflects federal character is willing to partner with any government or institution in creating access to education that allows people to express themselves freely” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
Prof. Uduma underscores the importance of ODL globally necessitating currently other universities in the country operating a dual mode of education delivery.
He thanked the Governor for his hospitality and accepting to host him and the university management despite the demand of his office.
Middle-Belt Times 