A delegation from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) recently visited its Study Centre in the Ezeoke Nsu community, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, following a fire attack by unidentified hoodlums on Monday night.
In a press release from Malam Ibrahim Sheme, NOUN’s Director of Media and Publicity, it was revealed that the delegation was sent on behalf of the institution’s management to assess the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
The attack, reportedly fueled by rumors that the Federal Government intended to use the facility to house internally displaced persons (IDPs), resulted in extensive destruction. Additionally, the residence of former Imo North Senator Frank Ibezim was also set ablaze by the perpetrators.
NOUN has strongly refuted the claim, labeling it as the fabrication of misinformed individuals, and condemned the actions as the work of elements hostile to the community. The institution clarified that no government agency had contacted them for such a plan, dismissing the rumors as baseless.
Sheme noted that law enforcement agencies are already investigating the incident to identify and bring the culprits to justice.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi A. Peters, assured both students and the public that academic activities at the Ezeoke Nsu Study Centre will continue without disruption. He announced that students would be relocated to nearby study centres to maintain the continuity of their programs.
Expressing sympathy for Senator Frank Ibezim over the destruction of his property, Professor Peters also thanked the Ezeoke Nsu community for their solidarity and support during the crisis. He reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to rebuilding the Study Centre, assuring the public that it will be restored and operational “stronger than ever” in the shortest possible time.
.
