NAN-AE-7
Fund
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Ndufu-Alike (Ebonyi), May 10, 2017 (NAN) The Federal Government has approved an ecological fund of N1.5billion for erosion and flood control at the Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State.
Mr Umar Abdulkarim, the leader of the National Ecological Fund Office delegation to the institution, who made the disclosure on Wednesday, noted that the fund was approved by the Presidency.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fund was attracted by the efforts of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, and it covers the construction of intra-campus roads, drainage, culverts, pedestrian walkways among others.
Abdulkarim said the fund was aimed at the controlling impact of flood and erosion on the university and hailed the commitment of the Vice-Chancellor who ensured approval of the fund.
“We assure the university authority that the contractor and consultants would live up to expectation in terms of quality execution of projects and completion at the stipulated period of eight months.”
In his response, Nwajiuba said the projects would reduce the ecological challenges facing the university.
“We are grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the fund and the former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal for living up to his promise of ensuring the prompt release of the fund and mobilisation of the contractor to site,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also urged the contractor, Mecca Nig. Ltd. and Project consultant, SURD Engineering Services Ltd., to bring their experiences to bear in the execution of the projects.
“We would not tolerate shoddy jobs which could lead to colossal waste of scarce resources as the university will assist them in attaining the best quality and complete the projects on time.
“It is only the quality of work that would give the contractor and consultants lasting relationships with the university,” he said.
He further highlighted the priority areas within the university environment and urged them to commence operations from there due to their direct and immediate impact on the staff, students and visitors.
The Director, Centre for Development Assistance Management, Partnership and Training in the university, Mr Chris Uwadoka, expressed happiness for the intervention of the Federal Government in checking ecological challenges in the University.
“I am very excited that the Federal Government has approved such intervention in the university at this auspicious time.
“This will make the university community more habitable for both staff and students and will assist the institution in attaining the desired enviable status of a world-class institution,” he said.
NAN reports that the contractor and consultant expressed their readiness to leave positive footprints in the university through quality jobs and timely completion of the projects. (NAN)
RCO/DOR/AFA
Edited by Nyisom Dore/Felix Ajide