Students of the National Open University of Nigeria, Umuahia Study Centre have embarked on various community development programmes as part of the course, Introduction to Community Development(DES 303), which is a course aimed at helping students grasp fundamental concepts, asses community needs, plan and implement projects and understand ethical considerations in community development.
Speaking about the course in an exclusive interview, the Director of the Umuahia Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Chris Nnadi said, “From the name of the course, it is one of the programs designed by the university to have the rural settlers feel the impact of the student’s academic exploits with respect to enlightenment and getting the community understand what development is all about.. It also affords the students the opportunity to meaningfully engage the communities on how best to better their environment for healthy living.”
Therefore, students are expected to engage in a community project practicum. For instance, Group 8 engaged in Malaria Sensitization Campaign at Eziama Mgbaja Ossah Autonomous Community in Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area.
His Royal Highness Eze Chiabuotu Emenike speaking during the program.
While welcoming the students, the Traditional ruler of the Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Chiabuotu Emenike, who is also the secretary of the Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council expressed joy that his community had the privilege of hosting the students.
During the sensitization, the students took turns to answer these questions: What causes malaria? What are the symptoms of Malaria? How can malaria be prevented? And how can malaria be treated?
Highlight of the sensitization were question and answers session and distribution of insecticide treated nets as well as mosquito repellant lotions.
Mrs Ann Ezeigwe delivering her speech.
Speaking on behalf of the women of the community, the Deputy Woman Leader, Prophetess Udodirim Onyekwere was overwhelmed with joy and wished she could invite the students to sensitize the entire women during their August Meeting.
Mrs Agatha Nkemdirim speaking during the sensitization.
On his part, the President General of the community, Elder Chief Obiakarije Dandy assured the students of the willingness of the community to host more of such programmes from the National Open University of Nigeria.
Present during the sensitization were members of the royal cabinet and notable sons of the community including a renown educationist and former principal of Government College Umuahia, Chief Jerry Onyemachi, who is the Traditional Prime Minister of the community.
Miss Olivia Felix speaking during the sensitization.
Other groups also engaged in other programs. Group 1 embarked on educating the youths on youthful exuberance and its implications to their mental health, with focus on strategies and intervention measures while Group 2 engaged in Eco-beautification of the environment: through planting of flowers at Ossah Primary School.
Group 3 focused on personal hygiene awareness for people in Ossah Community as Group 4 took personal hygiene sensitization to Primary Health Centre at Umuola Egbuelu Eziama, Aba North L.G.A.
Group 5 engaged in educating pregnant women on the effect of poor nutrition during pregnancy and child birth at Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia while Group 6 engaged in personal hygiene awareness at Ahiaeke Motherless Babies Home.
Educating pregnant women on the need for birth preparedness and complication readiness was undertaken by Group 7 at Eziama Mgbaja Ossah as Group 9 supported orphaned children through education and welfare outreach at Agape Charity Home, Olokoro, Umuahia South L.G.A.
