Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed the immediate establishment of a temporary site for the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, in Aba.
Otti also approved that a permanent study centre should be built in Aba for NOUN operations.
The governor gave the directive while receiving the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Oji Uduma.
He directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, and the Managing Director of the Greater Aba Development Authority, Uche Ukeje, to lead the charge.
According to the governor, his decision was in response the NOUN management’s request for partnership to establish a study centre in Aba.
Otti noted that open and distance learning had evolved significantly with the aid of technology which enhance knowledge sharing.
The governor also directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, to liaise with the management of the Umuahia study centre of NOUN to identify areas where the state government could assist in improving facilities.
He further thanked the open university management for establishing a study centre in Ohafia, Abia North district of the state.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, said the institution was committed to expanding access to education through open and distance learning, as well as promoting inclusiveness.
He disclosed that there are 120 NOUN study centres in the country with the South-East region only having eight centres.
