In a significant bid to enhance educational opportunities in rural Nigeria, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State, has inaugurated the National Open University (NOUN) Study Centre in the Wase local government area.
The project was initially conceived by the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, who worked diligently to bring it to fruition for his constituency.
During the inauguration ceremony, Senator Lalong underscored the critical need to fortify educational infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to empower citizens and dismantle the barriers of poverty and ignorance.
He lauded Hon. Idris Wase for his unwavering commitment to the project, acknowledging the pivotal role played by President Tinubu and the Ministry of Education in ensuring the collaboration with the national assembly was successful.
“The establishment of this study centre is a monumental step towards making education accessible to marginalized communities,” Senator Lalong remarked. “It provides a golden opportunity for those in rural areas, and anyone eager to pursue further education, to do so conveniently.”
Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, in his address, expressed gratitude to his constituents for their enduring support throughout his tenure in the national assembly.
He assured them of his ongoing dedication to fostering development that would benefit both current and future generations. Hon. Wase also praised Senator Lalong for his leadership and unwavering commitment to unity, peace, and collective progress.
“The NOUN Study Centre is part of a broader vision to democratize tertiary education, making it attainable for rural residents and building capacity for national development,” Wase stated.
Prof. Isaac Buswat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, who represented the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, highlighted the Centre’s role as a transformative educational platform.
He encouraged both young and older citizens to seize the opportunities offered by the Wase Study Centre to advance their personal and professional development.
The inauguration of the NOUN Study Centre in Wase marks a pivotal moment in the push to expand educational access in Nigeria’s rural areas, promising to uplift communities through enhanced learning opportunities and capacity building.
