Bauchi, Nigeria - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bauchi State has formally requested the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to establish a dedicated study centre within its Bauchi command. This initiative aims to bolster the agency's rehabilitation programs and overall fight against drug abuse.

The appeal was made during a recent advocacy visit by a NOUN delegation, led by Dr. Madu Galadima, Director of the NOUN Bauchi Study Centre, to the NDLEA command headquarters. The visit underscored NOUN's commitment to fostering partnerships with key institutions.

Delegation of NOUN Bauchi Study Centre in a group photograph with the Commandant of NDLEA after the visit ‎

According to NDLEA Commandant, Mr. Ali Aminu, the establishment of a NOUN study centre on NDLEA grounds would significantly enhance their anti-substance abuse campaign. He emphasized that access to education is a powerful tool for changing perspectives and preventing relapse among individuals recovering from drug addiction.

“Education plays a vital role in reshaping mindsets and preventing recidivism among drug offenders,” Aminu stated.

The Commandant lauded the NOUN team for their proactive engagement and pledged to encourage NDLEA officers and personnel to pursue further education through NOUN's Open and Distance Learning (ODL) platform. He personally expressed interest in enrolling in a PhD program, noting that numerous other officers have also expressed a desire to register for various academic programs offered by the university.

Earlier in the visit, Dr. Galadima explained that the advocacy initiative is part of NOUN’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness among security agencies about its diverse academic offerings and strengthen collaborative relationships.

He highlighted NOUN's extensive network of over 100 study centres nationwide, providing access to more than 1,000 courses across various disciplines. NOUN utilizes a flexible ODL system designed to cater to the needs of working professionals, making higher education accessible to a wider audience.

Galadima further detailed NOUN's examination processes, which include both Pen-on-Paper (POP) and Computer-Based Tests (CBT), conducted twice annually. The university provides comprehensive learning support through both online and printed study materials, ensuring optimal learning outcomes for its students.

He urged NDLEA officers to capitalize on NOUN's accessible and flexible learning environment to enhance their professional qualifications.

The visit concluded with an interactive session where the NOUN team provided detailed information to NDLEA personnel regarding admission procedures, registration processes, available courses, fees, and other key operational aspects of the university. This session aimed to equip NDLEA officers with the necessary knowledge to begin their academic journeys with NOUN. The potential collaboration promises to be a significant step in combating drug abuse through education and empowerment.