A cross-section of students at the event.

The Centre Director of the Port Harcourt Study Centre at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Dr. Theresa Ucheoma Ettu, has urged students to fully utilize the various learner support services available throughout their programs.

Ettu delivered this message during the general students’ forum and orientation program for the 2026_2 academic session, organized by the Study Centre on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

The event gathered students and officials from the Study Centre, providing a platform for interaction, information sharing, and clarification of academic and administrative matters.

Additionally, it addressed issues relevant to all students before honing in on matters concerning newly admitted students.

Dr. Ettu welcomed participants on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, the University Management, and the Port Harcourt Study Centre, expressing gratitude to the students for their attendance.

She emphasized that their participation highlights the significance of Study Centres in the university's operations and service delivery, reaffirming management's commitment to enhancing these centres for more effective learner support.

Dr. Ettu reminded students that NOUN operates within an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) framework, which necessitates that learners take substantial responsibility for their academic progress.

She urged them to cultivate discipline, commitment, and cooperation with the university's support structures, emphasizing that timely access to available services can help them navigate their academic journey more effectively.

Specifically, she encouraged students to make proper use of learner support services, including:

• Counselling
• ICT support
• Administrative assistance
• Bursary services
• Library resources

Dr. Ettu also advised students to pay close attention to presentations by various Unit Heads and Faculty Desk Officers, encouraging them to ask questions and seek clarification whenever necessary.

Other officials who addressed the forum included:

• Mrs. A. U. Makbere, Deputy Director of Counselling Services
• Mrs. Peace K. Orji, Centre Accountant
• Miss Josephine Iyara, Centre Librarian
• Mrs. Chinelo Egoigwe, Assistant Registrar
• Mr. Samuel Okolie-Odiwe, ICT Officer

These officers provided students with information on their respective areas of responsibility and explained the procedures and resources available to support their academic activities.

Highlights of the program included a presentation on time management and study skills by Mrs. Makbere, interactive practical sessions on navigating the NOUN website and student portals led by ICT personnel, and a question-and-answer session.

The interactive session allowed students to raise concerns and seek direct clarification from the resource persons, with their questions addressed accordingly.