The National Open University of Nigeria has taken a significant step in student welfare by equipping 39 of its study centres nationwide with emergency health clinics, with plans to extend coverage to all centres before the end of the year.

The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Uduma, inaugurated one of the facilities at the Abuja Model Study Centre, Dutse Alhaji, along the Kubwa Zuba Expressway on Tuesday, describing the project as a demonstration of the university's commitment to welfare services beyond academics.

Uduma disclosed that the 39 centres represented the first phase of the project and that the number of equipped centres would double by August. He noted that all NOUN study centres nationwide were expected to be covered before the end of the year.

"It is an ongoing process. All study centres will get these facilities for the benefit of our students because their lives are highly valued," he stated.

The Vice Chancellor explained that the clinics were designed to provide first aid and basic clinical support to students and staff before referrals to standard medical facilities become necessary. He added that students experiencing health challenges during examinations and other academic activities would now have access to immediate medical attention.

Uduma revealed that the initiative aligned 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 staff in emergency response.

"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 added.

The Vice Chancellor further highlighted that more than 65% of nurses in Nigeria with first degrees were trained by NOUN, a figure recently confirmed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

The Head of Clinic, Dr Hassan Mohammed, noted that the centres were equipped to handle emergency cases and stabilise patients before referral to hospitals. He added that staff members were undergoing continuous training to strengthen emergency response capacity. Mohammed conducted the Vice Chancellor and other officials around the facility, showcasing medical supplies including oral rehydration salts, paracetamol, trauma response tools, cardiac machines and medicine storage facilities.

Senior 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 Director of the Abuja Model Study Centre Prof. Nebath Tanglang.