The newly-appointed Acting Director, Makurdi Study Centre, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Benue State, Mrs. Serah Asebe Alao, has said that she has noticed a significant increase in students’ enrollment this semester at the centre.

Alao disclosed this on the sidelines of her first meeting with the centre staff in preparation for the 13th Convocation Ceremony of the university.

She said the meeting became necessary for all staff to get prepared for the smooth conduct of the event, as Makurdi centre was billed to host two other centres: for the ceremony.

In a chat with NOUN News correspondent in her office in Makurdi, the director said she was grateful to God and the management for the privilege to serve in the capacity as the director.

She acknowledged that with a year to retire from service, coupled with the fact that she has been the counselor for the centre for many years, she has been familiar with the staff, making her feel as if she is not new to the workings and staff of the centre.

Equally, Alao said the staff too have been wonderful since assuming office; everything has been going on smoothly

She opined that because NOUN, has carved a niche for itself with the reputation of not going on strike and the awareness gone round, parents are now trooping into the centre to enroll their children and it has been very encouraging.

Regarding the advocacy campaigns, the director said the centre intends to engage prominent people in the state to help drive the awareness and visit radio stations.

The director mentioned that the Ter-Makurdi Zaki Vincent Ahule, whom she said is one of NOUN's alumni, would be engaged on advocacy drive to tell people about what NOUN is doing by taking education to the door steps of the people.

Additionally, Alao mentioned that being a counselor herself, and with the notion that counseling is a helping job, she has carried all the staff along and they are excited doing their job because of the encouragement and motivation from her.

She, however, suggested that there should be internet connectivity at the centre for students use even as the students, too, have been praying for that.