Otti gives green light to Abia NOUN study hub, encourages citizens to adopt remote education

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged Nigerians to adopt digital and distance learning, citing it as the inevitable future of education in a world that is rapidly changing, as he gave his approval for the establishment of a National Open University of Nigeria study centre in Aba.

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Otti made these comments during a meeting with a delegation from the National Open University of Nigeria, led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Orji Uduma, which took place at the Government House in Umuahia on Tuesday.

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The governor noted that the shift towards virtual learning is now unavoidable, given that global interactions have already fully transitioned to digital platforms, and he referenced his own experience of holding virtual meetings with individuals in New York and Singapore.

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Otti emphasized that distance learning and virtual meetings have become the norm, with platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and others being widely used, and he stressed that embracing this change is no longer a choice.

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The National Open University of Nigeria is a pioneer in distance learning, having initiated efforts in this area decades ago, when the world was not yet fully digital, and Otti acknowledged this pioneering role.

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Otti approved the request for a study centre in Aba, directing relevant agencies to begin work on upgrading the existing facility in Umuahia, and he instructed the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education to oversee this process.

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The governor described the request for a study centre in Aba as a straightforward decision, stating that it must be done, and he directed the Greater Aba Development Authority to identify a temporary location for immediate use.

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Otti also commended the National Open University of Nigeria for its expansion efforts in Abia, including the establishment of study centres in Asaga, Ohafia, and Umuahia, and he highlighted his administration's continued investment in education.

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He noted that about 20 per cent of the state's annual budget has been allocated to the education sector over the past three years, and he announced plans to commission three smart schools soon.

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Prof. Uduma explained that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaboration with the state government, particularly in expanding access to open and distance learning, and he noted that the National Open University of Nigeria currently operates 120 study centres nationwide.

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Prof. Uduma also appealed for support in securing land for a centre in Aba, and he praised the state government's development efforts, describing them as people-focused and impactful, during the visit which was attended by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme, and other senior government officials.