The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has inaugurated emergency health centres in 39 study centres across the country as part of efforts to improve healthcare support for students and staff.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Uduma Uduma, inaugurated one of the facilities at the Abuja Model Study Centre, Dutse-Alhaji, along the Kubwa-Zuba Expressway in Abuja.
Speaking during the inauguration, Uduma said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to extending quality welfare services beyond academics.
According to him, the 39 centres represent the first phase of the project, with plans already underway to expand the programme significantly by August.
“It is an ongoing process. All study centres will get these facilities for the benefit of our students because their lives are highly valued,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
He explained that the centres are designed to provide first aid and basic clinical support for students and staff before referrals to standard hospitals become necessary.
Uduma noted that the initiative would be especially beneficial for students who experience health emergencies during examinations and other academic activities.
He further disclosed that the number of centres equipped with emergency healthcare facilities would double by August, while all NOUN study centres nationwide are expected to be covered before the end of the year.
The Vice-Chancellor said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s policy on student welfare and healthcare delivery in tertiary institutions.
He also commended the Nigerian Red Cross for supporting the training of university personnel in emergency response management.
“I am happy that the Red Cross is training our staff. The university management has also approved the engagement of some nurses as volunteers for the programme,” he said.
Highlighting the institution’s contribution to healthcare education in Nigeria, Uduma revealed that more than 65 per cent of nurses in the country with first degrees were trained by NOUN.
According to him, the figure was recently confirmed to the university management by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Earlier, the Head of Clinic, Dr Hassan Mohammed, explained that the emergency centres are equipped to handle urgent medical cases and stabilise patients before referral to hospitals and medical centres.
Mohammed added that staff members are undergoing continuous training to strengthen emergency response capacity across the university’s study centres.
During a tour of the facility, officials showcased available medical supplies and equipment, including oral rehydration salts, paracetamol, trauma response tools, cardiac machines and medicine storage facilities.
Senior university officials present at the inauguration included Deputy Vice-Chancellors Prof. Shehu Adamu and Prof. Christine Ofulue, Registrar Mr Oladipo Ajayi, Bursar Malam Nasiru Marafa, University Librarian Prof. Angela Okpala and the Director of the Abuja Model Study Centre, Prof. Nebath Tanglang.