Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has directed relevant government agencies to begin searching for a temporary site for a study centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Aba. This directive is part of efforts to expand access to higher education in the commercial hub of the state.
Otti issued the directive on Tuesday, May 5, while receiving the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, who paid him a courtesy visit at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The governor instructed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education and the Managing Director of the Greater Aba Development Authority to immediately commence work on securing a facility, pending the construction of a permanent site. He emphasized that Aba, as a key commercial centre in Nigeria, deserves a NOUN study centre due to its large population and economic relevance.
Governor Otti Highlights Importance of Open and Distance Learning
Governor Otti noted that open and distance learning has evolved significantly, supported by digital tools such as Google Meet and Zoom, which have broadened access to education. He reiterated his administration's commitment to strengthening the education sector through recruitment, training, and retraining of teachers.
He assured NOUN of the state government's support toward the establishment of the centre, adding that education remains central to his development agenda. The governor also directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education to engage with the management of the existing NOUN study centre in Umuahia to identify areas where the state could assist in improving facilities.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor Seeks Government Support
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Professor Uduma Oji Uduma said his visit aimed at securing government support and policy backing for the establishment of a study centre in Aba. He stated that NOUN remains committed to widening access to education through open and distance learning, particularly for working-class Nigerians and underserved communities.
According to him, study centres are critical access points, and Aba, being one of Nigeria's largest urban centres, deserves such a facility. Uduma added that the university is open to partnerships with governments and private organisations to expand educational opportunities across the country. He also noted the increasing global shift toward dual-mode education delivery, where institutions combine physical and online learning systems.
The vice-chancellor thanked the governor for the audience, describing the reception as warm despite Otti's tight schedule.
Broader Context: NOUN's Role in Expanding Education
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that Prophet Hyginus Maduabuchi, the general overseer of Christ in Me Revival Ministry International, matriculated into NOUN after gaining admission. The Nigerian cleric shared pictures from his matriculation ceremony at the Enugu centre of the university, held on April 8.
Governor Otti's directive marks a significant step toward improving higher education access in Aba, aligning with NOUN's mission to provide flexible learning opportunities to a wider population.
