The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has said that the establishment of Mani Community Study Centre, Katsina State, represents the convergence of philanthropy and education, harmoniously blended through community support and academic excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor stated this on Thursday, May 25, 2023 during the official commissioning ceremony of the new centre in Mani Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Represented by the university’s bursar, Mallam Nasir G. Marafa, Peters disclosed that the event was a testament to the power of collaboration where individuals from different sectors come together to create a space that nurtures intellectual growth, and foster lifelong learning.
The VC’s representative, accompanied by the duo of the university’s Head of Security & Transport and Logistics, Mal. Isah Shehu and Architect Suleiman Haruna of DPDW&S, added that education is the bedrock of progress and development, which transcends borders, empowers individuals and transform communities.
With Mani Community Study Centre, NOUN extends the boundaries of education, ensuring that Knowledge and opportunities are accessible to all regardless of their socio- economic background and geographical locations, Peters said.
He assured that students of the centre will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, a wide array of resources, and a supportive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and personal growth.
While turning to Senator Babba Kaita, who sponsored the establishment of the centre, the VC extended NOUN’s deepest gratitude, praying that Kaita’s “noble philanthropy will have a lasting impact on generations to come.”
In his speech during the official commissioning and the subsequent inspection of the centre, the senator said the gesture was “for the benefit of the people of Mani, Katsina North Senatorial District and Nigeria at large.”
He said education is the bedrock of any development in the society, “therefore we have nothing to do but to provide education to the people.”
Kaita promised to continue to support the development of the centre at any time and urged the people of Mani to patronise the university as, according to him, there is no university presently in Nigeria with the legacies of NOUN.
He, therefore, thanked the university for its collaborative effort in providing education to every Nigerian.
There were Goodwill Messages by the Chairman, Mani Local Government Area, Dr. Yunusa Bagiwa, who was the Chief Host and also the representative of the Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Aminu Bello Masari.
The ceremony also received the blessings of the Royal Father of the occasion, Durbin Katsina, District Head of Mani, Alhaji Babani Isa Mani, while the centre director, Mr. Shamwil Salisu Bala gave the vote of thanks.
