Fashola Commissions Reconstruction Project In Ebonyi Varsity

Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing, has inaugurated a 0.6-kilometre reconstructed road at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, in Ebonyi State.

Represented at the inauguration by the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Steve Oluwadun, Fashola portrayed the road as “an important asset of the ministry reconstructed on behalf of the Federal Government.”

Having repaired defective roads, the minister noted that students were already showing renewed enthusiasm about attending classes.

His words: “This is consistent with our progressive ideal of improving the human condition. 

"This process continues presently with the handing over of this road at Alex Ekwueme Federal University as a critical intervention to support education. 

"We must make the point that although this is a civil work project, it is an investment in education.

“During the reconstruction of the road, over 25 people were employed in the process contributing to the job creation initiatives of the federal government. 

"We hope that the school would ensure that this asset is used properly and not abused.”

In his remarks, he noted the FG's continuing efforts to bridge the nation's infrastructural gap through repairs, renewals, and school construction.

“It is undebatable that the quality of education would be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and learning environment. 

"We have intervened in 64 internal road projects in various federal tertiary institutions and handed over 46 of such as at March 2022.

“We have another 18 roads ready to be handed over while 19 are currently being attended to in similar institutions across the country, totalling 83,” he stated.

The University's Vice Chancellor, Sunday Elom described the event as historic, thanking the federal government for its support.

Represented by Abel Ezeoha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Elom asserted the road would facilitate smooth vehicular and predestined movement to the faculty of law and the college of medical sciences.

“The road, before this intervention, was practically impassable because of the quantum of dust and mud on it during the dry season. 

"We sincerely hope that the entire stretch of the road will be completed in the future," he said.

According to Abigail Ijeh, a student of the institution, the project will help students meet their academic obligations.