The centre director (Back row on lemon advocacy T-shirt) posing with staff of both NOUN and FRSC during the visit
The Management of Oko-Akoko Community Study Centre of the institution has taken its advocacy drive to government agencies, religious groups and other associations in its environs with a view to boosting the visibility of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The advocacy was aimed at increasing students enrolment and gaining visibility for NOUN, which is in line with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision on assumption of office that targets one million students enrolment.
The team, led by the centre director, Dr. Babajide Oyadeyi, kick-started its visit from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) through the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Oka Division of the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Hunters’ Association.
The Teaching Service Commission , All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Akoko South-east Local Government were equally visited by the formidable advocacy team.
According to the director, the advocacy visits would serve as avenues to sensitise members of the various agencies on the presence of NOUN in the area and the need to take advantage of the institution.
The Advocacy team at the Ansarudeen Central Mosque, Ibaka, Oka
Oyedeyi also informed the audience that NOUN is an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution that allows learners to study anywhere any time.
He further explained that the institution is the best avenue as it allows students to work at any place and learn while they move at their own pace.
The director also intimated them about the available programmes in the various faculties, especially programmes that may fit their professions, and requirements as well as the mode of instruction.
He thanked the Tutor-General and the Director of the TESCOM Zonal Office for allowing them to be part of the meeting where all Principals of secondary schools in the two local governments attended.
The visiting director reiterated that secondary school principals and teachers are critical stakeholders in the line of education.
“There is a huge opportunity available at NOUN because the Faculty of Education offers various courses that you can enrol in, both at undergraduates and postgraduates studies, to PhD level, all accredited by the National Universities Commission.
Dr Jide Oyadeyi (Standing) making his presentation
“NOUN is for everyone that needs knowledge, NOUN is for a unique educational experience in the sense that you can work and learn simultaneously,”he said.
In his response, the FRSC boss, Mr. Afe Olowoko expressed gratitude to the team for the much-needed enlightenment on the programmes and activities of the centre, while assuring the director that his men will take full advantage of NOUN’s presence in the community,
In the same development, the Divisional Police Officer of Oka, SP Adenibuyan Olanrewaju thanked the team for the sensitisation programme and promised to encourage his officers and men to enrol in NOUN.
The Tutor-General Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Farayola Akinyemi and the Director of the Zonal Office, Dr. Taiwo M. Olaleye appreciated the director and his team for the sensitisation programme, even as the duo promised to encourage their members to pick NOUN form as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the advocacy team also embarked on a three- day weekend campaign to other places such as The Ansarudeen Centre Mosque, Zumutatul Centre Mosque, Christ Apostolic Church, The Hope of Eternity Church, African Church Cathedral and others.
These latest visit followed similar ones conducted recently by the centre, where it paid visits to Ikare- Akoko in the North Senatorial District, North-east Local Government Area of the state, the African Church Diocese of Ikare and Idoani, the Area Commander’s Office of the Nigeria Police Force and the Church of the Diocesan Headquarters of the Church of Nigeria.
All agencies visited were full of gratitude to the NOUN and the management of Oka Community Study Centre for deeming it fit to visit them.
