Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commended the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for broadening access to higher education through its open and distance learning model.
Governor Otti who gave the commendation on Tuesday, when he received a delegation of the University’s management team in his office at Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South LGA, described the institution as a pioneer in expanding opportunities for diverse categories of learning.
The Governor noted with interest that NOUN had spearheaded efforts leading to the establishment of online learning platforms decades ago, stressing that technology-driven education has become indispensable in contemporary society.
He observed that virtual learning now occupies a central place in modern education systems and urged governments to embrace innovative learning models to remain competitive and inclusive.
Governor Otti further expressed appreciation to the University’s management for its contributions to educational development through distance learning, noting with satisfaction the presence of study centres in Umuahia and Ohafia.
Responding to requests for support in upgrading existing facilities, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, to liaise with the university’s management on the upgrading of the Umuahia study centre.
He also directed the General Manager of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Mr Uche Ukeje, to identify a temporary location for the proposed Aba study centre pending the development of a permanent site.
“On the request for a study centre in Aba, I think that one is a no-brainer. It has to be done.
“Maybe we need to find a temporary place for them to start operations while we work towards a permanent site”, he said.
Governor Otti disclosed that education has remained a top priority of his administration, adding that about 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget has consistently been allocated to the sector in the last three years.
The Governor added that his government had embarked on extensive school renovation projects, recruitment of teachers and continuous professional development programmes aimed at improving learning outcomes.
He also announced that three of the newly constructed Smart Schools would be commissioned later this month as part of reforms in the education sector.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Orji Uduma, said the visit was to seek collaboration with the state government for the establishment of a study centre in Aba.
Prof Uduma described open and distance learning as the future of education in the 21st century and noted with regret that out of the 120 study centers operated by the Institution nationwide, only eight were located in the South-East region.
He appealed to the state government to support the acquisition of land for a study centre in Aba to expand access to flexible learning opportunities for residents of the state adding that partnership between NOUN and the Abia State Government would enhance educational access and human capital development in the state.
