By Frank Ulom
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – A coalition of concerned academics and professionals under the aegis of the Movement for the Establishment of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre in Ogoja has formally written Senator Jarigbe Agom to advocate for the creation of a NOUN Study Centre in Ogoja, Cross River State.
In a letter dated 5th July 2025, and signed by Dr Michael Udey Udam, Coordinator; Dr Obeten Okoi Oka, Secretary; and Mr Cornelius Monjok, Public Relations Officer; the group praised Senator Jarigbe’s dedication and leadership, particularly his contributions to the development of Cross River North, while drawing urgent attention to the pressing educational needs of the Ogoja region.
According to the letter, over 400 first-degree holders in Ogoja are eager to pursue postgraduate studies but face significant challenges stemming from financial constraints and the logistical difficulties of relocating to distant cities like Calabar or Makurdi.
They noted that the dual burden of maintaining households in two locations and balancing work commitments has made it nearly impossible for many to further their education.
The letter also highlighted the inadequacies of existing educational infrastructure in the area. Although Ogoja hosts a campus of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), it currently offers limited postgraduate programmes, primarily within the Faculty of Management Sciences. This, the group says, leaves students in critical fields such as Education, Sciences, and Engineering without viable local options for further study.
“It is on this premise that we earnestly request that you use your esteemed office to advocate for the establishment of a NOUN Study Centre in Ogoja. This centre will provide accessible and affordable opportunities for many individuals who wish to further their education but cannot afford to leave the region,” the letter read in part.
The movement has already identified two proposed take-off sites for the centre — Ntol Comprehensive Secondary School, Ndok, and St. Theresa’s Primary School, Abakpa — both of which are said to possess the necessary infrastructure and accessibility to support the initiative.
While acknowledging the long-term hope for Ogoja to evolve into a full university campus, the group is calling for this NOUN centre as an urgent, interim measure to address the educational aspirations of hundreds of thousands of residents. They emphasised that the initiative would not only uplift individual lives but also contribute significantly to the region’s socio-economic development.
If successful, the Ogoja NOUN centre would join over 119 NIgerian study centres nationwide, expanding higher-education reach into under-served rural areas and offering distance-learning programmes in arts, sciences, management and education.
Converseer reports that currently, there are two NOUN study centres in state, one in Calabar, and the other in Ikom.
