Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has disclosed that Federal Government has intervened in the fixing of no fewer than 43 internal roads in tertiary institutions across the country.
The minister stated this in Offa, Kwara State at the commissioning of the rehabilitated 2.23 kilometres road within the Federal Polytechnic, Offa at the weekend.
Fashola says: “to date 18 out of the 43 interventions have been completed and today we hand over this one in Federal Polytechnic, Offa as a critical contribution to support education.”
The Minister, represented by Wasiu Atitebi, Kwara Federal Controller of Works and Housing, said that with the interventions “We are
expressing a renewed enthusiasm with regard to attending classes
because some defective roads have been restored to motor ability.
“And the point must be made that although this is a civil works project, it is an investment in education. It is undebatable that quality education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructures
and learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedback from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place.
“During the construction, 41 people were employed in the process,
contributing to job creation initiatives of the government, and it is hoped that the school will ensure that this asset is used properly and not abused.
“The gap of infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and
construction on major highways and it has reached the schools.”
Earlier, the Rector of the Polytechnic Lateef Olatunji (Dr), hailed the government for the intervention, seeking for more of such interventions.
“We would not cease to modestly request for more of this kind gesture as there are other feeder roads in the polytechnic requiring similar attention.
“This road will be further cherished by the polytechnic community as
it has not only added to the physical aesthetics of the school, but has also aided and eased movements to and from the polytechnic.
“More importantly, it has given a psychological relief to the staff of the polytechnic who hitherto experienced excruciating movements on the road because of its former deplorable State,” said Olatunji.
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin
