Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the establishment of a National Open University of Nigeria study centre in Aba and urged Nigerians to embrace digital and distance learning.
Otti made this known on Tuesday when he received a delegation from NOUN, led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Orji Uduma, at the Government House in Umuahia.
He described virtual learning as the future of education, noting that global interactions have increasingly shifted to digital platforms.
According to him, the rise of online tools has made distance learning more relevant, stressing that adapting to this trend is no longer optional.
The governor directed relevant state agencies to begin work on upgrading the existing NOUN study centre in Umuahia, while also approving the request for a new centre in Aba.
He further instructed the Greater Aba Development Authority to identify a temporary location for immediate use pending the construction of a permanent site.
Otti commended NOUN for expanding access to education in the state, noting that the institution already operates study centres in Asaga, Ohafia, and Umuahia.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the education sector, revealing that about 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget has been allocated to education in recent years, with plans to commission additional smart schools.
Earlier, the NOUN Vice Chancellor said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the state government and expanding access to open and distance learning.
He noted that the university currently operates over 100 study centres nationwide, with only a few located in the South-East, and appealed for support in securing land for the Aba centre.
The visit was attended by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education and other senior government officials.
