Obasanjo, Okebukola, NOUN VC attend APG report launch in Lagos

Human capital development has always been the main key in making population an asset, chairman of th Africa Progress Group (APG) and former Nigeria's president, Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo, has said.

Obasanjo stated this at the launch of the 2020 APG Report on "Making Africa's Population an Asse,t" which was held on Tuesday, August 17 at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The report launch was anchored by Distinguished Prof. Emeritus and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Council Chairman, Prof. Peter Okebukola, who explained that the report was compiled by the brightest academic minds in Africa and scholars of international repute in various fields of study. 

Speaking as the chairman of APG, Obasanjo who doubled as the chairman of the occasion, said APG is committed to the progress of Africa and that's why they have taken the initiative to put together the comprehensive document.

 He said there was the need to spread the work of the group by making use of the report such that Africa can move forward and make giant strides economically.

The ex-president gave a sterling presentation as he officially unveiled the report.

The report: Population As Asset Responsiveness Index (PARI), is anticipated to be a guideline for African countries to be proactive in their response to population increase, seeing it as more of an asset than a burden.

The launch was graced by distinguished personalities from all over the world. 

NOUN, with the highest student population in Africa, was well represented, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Femi Peters, DVC Admin, Prof. Isaac Butswat, the Registrar, Mr. Felix Edoka, study centre directors in Lagos- Prof. Rotimi Ogidan (McCarthy Study Centre), Dr. Alero Akujobi (Lagos Study Centre), Dr. Ofe Inua (Apapa Study Centre), Dr. Yemisi Ogunlela (Mushin Study Centre), Principal Assistant Registrar, Kate Anunobi and other senior staff.

The Vice-Chancellor gave a brief remark on the strength of NOUN as the most populous university (in terms of student enrollment) in the most populous country in Africa and how the school has positioned itself as the best in Open and Distance Learning, equipping both young and old with the right and proper skills for Nigeria's developmental initiatives.