Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau-south Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong, has performed the official inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Community Study Centre in Wase, Wase Local Government Area of the state.
The event, which was held on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Wase, was part of the federal projects conceived and attracted by the former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.
While performing the event, the senator appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the ministry of education for making sure that the collaboration with the National Assembly yielded a positive result.
He stressed the need to strengthen education and give Nigerians, particularly from the rural areas, an opportunity to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance.
Lalong, who lauded Wase for attracting the project and ensuring that it was completed, said he was proud of him, apart from giving him support during his tenure as governor, he has also continued to push for the interests of the state as well as making the achievements of their party, the APC, to stand out.
The senator said the centre will give the marginalised, and even those who are willing to acquire additional education an opportunity to do so with ease.
He assured that he will work with Wase and other legislators to ensure that federal presence is attracted to not only the southern zone but the whole state.
In his remarks, the former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, appreciated his constituents for giving him the opportunity to serve them at the National Assembly for many years, assuring them that he will also continue to bring development that will impact the present and future generations.
He thanked the former Governor Lalong whom he described as a leader and true democrat that loves unity, peace and collective achievements.
Wase said the vision behind Wase Community Study Centre is to make tertiary education accessible to most rural dwellers in the area and also build capacity for national development.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Isaac Rabo Buswat, said the Wase Community Study Centre is a viable educational platform for emancipation which the young and old should take advantage of.
Stressing the significance of the centre, Peters mentioned that it will empower the underserved, foster social cohesion and catalyze development.
The VC added that the centre will seek partnerships by collaborating with local and state government agencies to align with broader development, and will partner with universities, colleges, vocational schools and with non-profit organisations and private sector for job placement programmes and entrepreneurship support.
“The centre stands as a transformative hub, empowering the local community and paving way for a brighter, more equitable future. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase CON, representing the good people of Wase Federal Constituency, has demonstrated passion for the education of his people and those within his environment through the facilitation of the establishment of this community study centre.
“We invite all stakeholders to join us and him in this journey of community empowerment and sustainable development, especially in the area of security, securing lives and properties," the VC said.
He used the occasion to request support in procuring operational vehicle, even as he encouraged them to be involved in advocacy drive. “Advocacy has to be done by one and all. In doing advocacy encourage inclusivity and local partnerships leaving no one behind, include, particularly the girl child, women in ‘Purda’ and the aged as well as the physically challenged or disabled, the blind, the crippled.”
Peters appealed to the neighbouring local government areas of Kanam, Langtang North and others including neighbouring states to take advantage of their proximity to the Wase Centre to enroll, in order to add knowledge and improve themselves.
The activities climaxed with the senator cutting the ribbon to unveil the facility, as the guests toured the offices, ICT rooms, and laboratories.
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