By: David Ejishie/Bassey Asuquo, MOI Officer, Reporting for Ministry of Information and Orientation
The Federal Government has assured that it will continue to carry out infrastructural interventions in Universities to further improve on the quality of education in the country.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), made this known in Calabar, during the handing over of the rehabilitated 1.17km internal roads to the management of the University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State.
The Minister, who was represented by the Federal Controller Works, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Calabar, Engr. Bassey Nfentip disclosed that currently there are 43 of such interventions on internal roads in tertiary institutions been carried out across Nigeria, adding that 18 out of the 43 have been completed.
He urged the university to make good use of the road infrastructure in order to ensure that the efforts of the Federal Government in improving the standard of education in Nigeria are not aborted.
Mr. Fashola further stated that during the construction of the road, 42 persons were employed, thereby contributing to the job creation initiative of the Federal Government, adding that government will continue to sustain such interventions in line with its educational policies.
‘’It is greatly hoped that students will henceforth feel a new enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been made motorable’’, Mr. Fashola said.
‘’To the glory of God and on behalf of the Federal Government, I have the pleasure to formally hand over this completed project to the University of Calabar’’ he concluded.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Zana Akpagu noted that the rehabilitated internal roads have not only added ambiance to the University, but will also greatly impact on the learning process.
He mentioned that the roads leading to the hostels was hitherto like a bush track which impacted negatively on the students, adding that the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the internal roads at the University by the Federal Government has given the institution a facelift.
Reacting, the State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Dane-Osim Asu, who was represented by the Director, Finance and Supply, Mr. Egere commended the Federal Government for the initiative, adding that it will greatly impact on the academic performance of students.