Monarch Tasks FG On Facilities At Open Varsities

The Traditional Ruler of Abagana Community in, Anambra State, Igwe Mbamalu Okeke, has called on the Federal Government to improve facilities at the study centres of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) nationwide.

Okeke who made the call at the 9th Matriculation ceremony of NOUN at Abagana on Saturday, said that the relationship between his community and the study centre had been cordial and promised that the relationship would continue.

“I feel happy on this occasion and call on students to be serious with their studies. “NOUN  needs an increase in infrastructure to befit its status,” he emphasised.

In his message, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, urged the students to count themselves lucky to have been admitted into the institution.

Tenebe, represented by the Director of Centre, Dr Nnaka Chigbougu, said the institution had been serious with its work to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to build the university.

“In 2012, NUC accredited our  programmes and the university got full accreditation in its MPA and MBA programmes.

Meanwhile, some of the matriculating students said they were happy to be admitted in NOUN to improve their education.

A student of the law, Rev. Joseph Okonkwo, said he had earlier got degrees in Theology and Architecture but wanted to study the law. “This NOUN intervention is laudable and I urge the Federal Government to strengthen it,” he said.

The administrative officer of the centre, Oforbuike Nwachuke, told newsmen that no fewer than 600 students were admitted to the centre.