By Otobong Eshiet

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is set to establish a Study Centre in Ikot Ekpene following the provision of a suitable facility by the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Aniefiok Nkom, at Colonel Utuk Hall.

Ikot Ekpene Set to Host NOUN Study Centre as LG Chairman Provides Facility

The development marks a major milestone for Ikot Ekpene, a historic commercial and educational hub in Akwa Ibom State popularly known as the “Raffia City.” Strategically located in the northwestern part of the state, Ikot Ekpene serves as a gateway to several neighbouring local government areas and states. The proposed NOUN Study Centre is expected to serve not only residents of Ikot Ekpene but also students from Essien Udim, Obot Akara, Ikono, Ini, Ukanafun and other nearby communities who have long sought easier access to tertiary education.

Ikot Ekpene Set to Host NOUN Study Centre

As part of the inspection process, Hon. Nkom on Thursday, July 9, 2026, led the Director of the NOUN Uyo Study Centre, Dr. Edwin Bassey, and the Administrative Officer, Mr. Otobong Dominic Alexander, alongside students from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, on a tour of the proposed site for the new Study Centre.

Speaking during the visit, the students expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Nkom for fulfilling his promise to facilitate the establishment of the NOUN Study Centre in Ikot Ekpene. They noted that, for years, students from the senatorial district had been compelled to travel to Uyo to write examinations, attend tutorials, and complete other academic requirements.

The frequent trips placed financial and logistical burdens on learners, with some forced to suspend or abandon their studies because of the university’s demanding academic calendar.

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The students described the Chairman’s intervention as timely and impactful, expressing confidence that the proposed Study Centre would significantly reduce transportation costs, save time, and improve access to quality higher education.

They also noted that the centre would create a more conducive learning environment for working-class adults, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and other individuals seeking to earn university degrees through NOUN’s flexible Open and Distance Learning system.

Residents have also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant investment in human capital development. They believe the presence of a NOUN Study Centre will stimulate educational activities in Ikot Ekpene, attract more students to the area, support local businesses, and strengthen the town’s reputation as one of Akwa Ibom State’s leading centres for commerce and learning.

Once operational, the Study Centre is expected to bring university education closer to thousands of prospective students across Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable, flexible, and quality tertiary education through the National Open University of Nigeria.