Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on Nigerians to embrace digital and distance learning, describing it as the future of education in a rapidly evolving world, while approving the establishment of a National Open University of Nigeria study centre in Aba.

Otti made the remarks on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the management of NOUN led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Orji Uduma, at the Government House, Umuahia.

He said the shift towards virtual learning was no longer optional, noting that global interactions had already moved fully into digital platforms.

“It is interesting that the National Open University of Nigeria pioneered an effort decades ago when the world had not gone virtual. But today, I sit here and hold meetings with people in New York and Singapore,” he said.

“That is what learning has become. Distance, Open, Virtual, Zoom, Google Meet and all the platforms for distance learning and virtual meetings have become the order of the day. So, we have no choice but to embrace it.”

Otti approved the request for a study centre in Aba and directed relevant agencies to commence work on upgrading the existing facility in Umuahia.

“On your request to support in upgrading the place (Umuahia centre), I would like the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education to take that up together with other members of the team. Let’s have a look and see how we can support them to upgrade the place,” he said.

On the Aba centre, he added, “On the request for a study centre in Aba, I think that one is a no-brainer. It has to be done.”

He directed the Greater Aba Development Authority to identify a temporary location for immediate use while plans for a permanent site are developed.

“Maybe we need to find a place that they will operate from on a temporary basis. Because before you start and finish building, it will probably take a long time,” Otti said.

The governor also commended NOUN for its expansion efforts in Abia, including the establishment of study centres in Asaga, Ohafia and Umuahia, while highlighting his administration’s continued investment in education.

He noted that about 20 percent of the state’s annual budget had been committed to the education sector over the past three years and disclosed plans to commission three smart schools soon.

Earlier, Prof. Uduma said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the state government, particularly in expanding access to open and distance learning.

He explained that NOUN currently operates 120 study centres nationwide, with only eight located in the South-East, and appealed for support in securing land for a centre in Aba.

He also praised the state government’s development efforts, describing them as people-focused and impactful.

The visit was attended by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme, alongside other senior government officials.