UNIUYO seeks NDDC’s assistance over abandoned projects

The authorities of the University of Uyo, have solicited  the assistance of  Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the completion of the 500-bed capacity hostel it initiated in the institution  years ago.

The University said the completion of the hostel would reduce the accommodation problem that students in the university face.

According to the Vice Chancellor Enefiok Essien, a request has been made to the new management of the commission for completion of the hotel project which he said has attained more than  80 percent completion.

The institution has also appealed to Federal Government to expedite action on the completion of the Faculty of Agriculture building initiated some years back adding the  present management of the university is committed to improving the  physical infrastructure of the institution.

Essien ‎ who spoke at activities marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the University said he is determined to work  towards   improving ranking of the university during his tenure.

The VC said several inherited and new projects including the construction of a 1000-capacity lecture theatre, 600 capacity lecture theatre, 500 capacity lecture theatre, construction of Information and Communication Technology  (ICT ) complex (phase 1), students hostel, central laboratory and a classroom block were  some of the ongoing projects.

While pledging continued  collaboration with host communities to ensure harmonious relationship, he however warned  those encroaching on the university land that the management would not hesitate to pull down illegal structures within the university’s campus.

Essien who also pledged to ensure improvement in  the Internally Generated Revenue of the institution through establishment of a filling station and block moulding factory said the university will remain  attentive to ensure that all funds and grants due to it  are released.

“Under one year of my administration, staff and students have attracted honours and laurels ‎to the university. Several memoranda of understanding between University of Uyo and other institutions have been signed. Staff salaries have been paid as at when due though in percentages due to a shortfall in the personnel allocation to university which affects all federal universities”.

Reeling out further achievements within his first year in office, Essien said in addition to the peace and tranquillity between various categories of staff and student  unions ‎with  management, there has been a smooth operation of academic calendar since his assumption of office.

He disclosed that  various staff/ students welfare interventions have been implemented by his administration adding that within one year, he  has ensured payment of sustenance allowance, timely promotions, promotion of stagnated staff, redressing of injustices, such as recall of the deserving staff from suspension and resolving controversial delay in staff promotions.

As a student friendly Vice Chancellor, Essien said he has reversed the expulsion of 150 Engineering students, thereby calming the  tension in the  university.

Essien took over from Comfort Ekpo as Vice Chancellor the university last year.