The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Prof. Olufemi Peters, has commended the people of Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community, Ossah Ibeku Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State, for ceding part of Ossah Community Secondary School(OCSS) to the university for use as a study centre. 

The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the DVC (Admin) Prof. Issac Butswat, disclosed this while formally inspecting and receiving the ceded facility to NOUN at Ossah Ibeku Umuahia North Local Government Area, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. 

According to the VC, the development was a result of NOUN disengagement from the memorandum of understanding with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike. 

He added that the choice of hosting the study centre would not only bring education to the doors step of people but also improve the capacity of members of the community. 

"We express our immense gratitude to His Excellency,the Executive Governor of Abia State,Dr. Alex Otti, the Ministry of Education, the Eze and the people of Ossah Community for the various roles they played in facilitating the ceding of the property to NOUN. We are indeed very grateful," the VC said. 

Peters appealed to the community and its environs to take full advantage of this gesture to enrol at the centre. 

He charged the host to cooperate with the centre director and staff as well as protecting life and property at the centre. 

Sequel to taking possession of the property, the VC underscored the importance of handing over the title deed and the site plan to the institution, saying that NOUN is aware that the supposed facility is a temporary site, pending when a permanent and more befitting one would come on board. 

He encouraged the stakeholders and the well to do in the community to scout for funds and sponsor indigent students who are interested in furthering their education and highlighted the need to embark on advocacy so that enrollment by learners will increase. 

Also speaking at the occasion, HRM Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, Ezimba1 and Traditional Ruler of Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community, Ossah Ibeku Umuahia North Local Government Area, said that OCSS belongs to three communities. 

He expressed excitement about the development, adding that they are aware of the importance of bringing education to the people, proming to do everything within thier power to ensure the sustainability of the centre.

The royal father pledged his commitment of encouraging his subjects and wards to utilise the opportunity offered to them by the university to upgrade themselves. 

The traditional ruler reiterated the need to work in synergy between both parties so as to enable the centre achieve its purpose.

"This is my 30th year of earning my Masters degree from the university of Lagos. Personally, due to the proximity of the centre, I will enrol to pursue my PhD," HRM said.  

On his part, the immediate-past commissioner for Digital Communication, Abia State, Hon. Ugochukwu Emezue, applauded the government of Abia State for its kind approval to cede part of OCSS to NOUN, the unity of purpose between the three Traditional Rulers and the committee in-charge for working assiduously towards ensuring the completion of the project. 

Personalities present at the occasion include; the university Registrar, Mr Oladipo Ajayi, Director, LSS, Dr. Sefinat Omuya, Deputy Director, DPOWSS, Arc. Suleiman Haruna,who represented the Director. 

Others were the President General of Ossah Community, Elder Chief D.N. Obiakarije, representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Palace Legal Adviser, Barrister Ikechukwu Odigbo, the Palace Secretary, Amb. Emmanuel Ememandu, the Vice -President of NOUNAA , Dr Theophilus Anudike. among others.