NOUN Establishes Study Centre in Abia State: A Community Collaboration

Professor Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), expressed his appreciation to the Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community in Ossah Ibeku Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State. The community generously ceded part of Ossah Community Secondary School (OCSS) to NOUN for use as a study centre.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Issac Butswat, Peters formally inspected and received the ceded facility. He explained that this development resulted from NOUN’s disengagement from a memorandum of understanding with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike.

The study centre’s establishment aims to bring education closer to the community and enhance the capacity of its members. Peters expressed immense gratitude to Abia State’s Executive Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, the Ministry of Education, the local Eze (traditional ruler), and the people of Ossah Community for their roles in facilitating the property transfer.

As the community embraces this educational opportunity, Peters encouraged enrollment at the centre. While acknowledging that the current facility is temporary, he emphasized the importance of obtaining the title deed and site plan. NOUN remains committed to providing a more permanent and suitable location in the future.

Furthermore, Peters called upon stakeholders and well-to-do individuals in the community to support indigent students through sponsorships. 

HRM Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, Ezimba1, the Traditional Ruler of Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community in Ossah Ibeku Umuahia North Local Government Area, expressed his delight during the formal handover of part of Ossah Community Secondary School (OCSS) to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The OCSS property, which belongs to three communities, will now serve as a study centre.

Emelike emphasized the significance of education and pledged unwavering support for the centre’s sustainability. He encouraged community members to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills. The traditional ruler stressed the need for collaboration between NOUN and the community to achieve the centre’s purpose effectively.

In a personal revelation, Emelike shared that he earned his master’s degree from the University of Lagos 30 years ago. Inspired by the proximity of the new study centre, he announced his intention to enroll and pursue a PhD.

Hon. Ugochukwu Emezue, the immediate-past commissioner for Digital Communication in Abia State, commended the state government for approving the property transfer to NOUN. He praised the unity of purpose among the three traditional rulers and the committee overseeing the project’s completion.

The occasion was graced by distinguished personalities, including the university Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi; Director of the Life Sciences School (LSS), Dr. Sefinat Omuya; Deputy Director of the Directorate of Part-Time, Weekend, and Sandwich Studies (DPOWSS), Arc. Suleiman Haruna; and other representatives. Elder Chief D.N. Obiakarije, the President General of Ossah Community, and officials from the Ministry of Education also attended.