Reknown groups, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the All-Africa Students Union (AASU) have expressed excitement over the N500m infrastructure endowment to Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic formerly Abia State Polytechnic by the Unubiko Foundation.
The founder of Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Ume on Friday announced a N500m donation at the 19th-21st combined convocation ceremony for the year 2020/2021 – 2023/2024 organised by the institution.
Chief Ume disclosed that the donation would be channled to infrastructural development of the school and would be administered through the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
He further announced that the Foundation was planning a massive house project for less privileged people in Abia.
According to him, the project includes 56 two bedroom apartments for the less privileged.
The announcement has aroused excitement among well-meaning Nigerians and institutions.
“The governor would be in charge of the disbursement of the funds. The governor would also choose the particular project he wants for the school.
“We are doing 56 units of two-bedroom homes for the less privileged in the state, all solar powered. It would be handed over by Christmas,” he told THE WHISTLER.
A statement released by NANS said the founder of Unubiko Foundation has proven to be a pillar of education in the country and Africa at large.
NANS President, Lucky Emonefe said in the statement sent to THE WHISTLER that the association “Wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the Unubiko Foundation, founded by Chief James Ume, for its remarkable philanthropic efforts in supporting education in Abia State and beyond.
“We are particularly delighted to acknowledge the foundation’s recent donation of N500m to Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic (formerly Abia State Polytechnic) to support the institution’s infrastructural development. This generous gesture demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to promoting quality education and empowering young Nigerians.
“Furthermore, we commend the Unubiko Foundation for its dedication to providing support to the less privileged in Abia State. The foundation’s efforts to build 56 units of two-bedroom homes for the less privileged, all solar-powered, are truly commendable.”
NANS assured Chief Ume and the Unubiko Foundation that “Nigerian students’ community is solidly behind their philanthropic endeavours.”
“We will ensure that the donated funds are utilized judiciously for the growth and development of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, as well as for the advancement of education in Abia State and Nigeria.”
Similarly, the leadership of the Continental Student Movement – the All-Africa Students Union (AASU) said it is thrilled by the “extraordinary philanthropic gesture” of Unubiko Foundation.
In a statement signed by the President, All-Africa Students Union (AASU), Osisiogu Osikenyi, the association praised the founder of Unubiko Foundation for his “Selfless act.”
AASU described Chief James as a “shining example of leadership, generosity, and commitment to education.”
AASU said, “This donation will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the institution, enabling it to enhance its infrastructure, resources, and academic programs.
“Your contribution will inspire countless students, faculty, and staff, and have a lasting legacy in the pursuit of excellence in education. We salute your vision, kindness, and dedication to empowering future generations.”
All African Students Union, NANS, Hail Unubiko Foundation’s N500m Donation To Abia Poly is first published on The Whistler Newspaper