The federal government has stated its intention to begin construction at the proposed University of Technology location in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom state.
When he led a group to view the planned site at Ikot Ukpoinua, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, offered the guarantee.
S. T Echono, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, represented Adamu, who was escorted to the project site by Udoma Udo Udoma, former Minister and pro-chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University. Abubakar Rasheed, Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, and Rakiya Gambo, Director of University Education, are among the others.
All is now ready for the start of work, according to the minister, as take-off funding to help with the project will be released in earnest.
President Buhari is impressed by the infrastructure strides his administration has done, according to Adamu, who thanked the governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel, for his support and cooperation.
The minister praised the National University Council (NUC) for collaborating diligently with the Akwa Ibom state government and education stakeholders to finish the academic brief on the number of programs to be offered at the school.
Governor Udom Emmanuel praised President Muhammadu Buhari for picking Akwa Ibom State to host a federal university of technology in his speech.
Governor Emmanuel promised that the new University’s mission and vision would be forcefully pursued.
Udom praised the National University Council (NUC) for putting quality assurance measures in place to assure standard in the nation’s higher institutions, speaking through the State Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet.
The governor expressed gratitude to the host community for providing the institution with a location and advised the youths to take use of this God-given opportunity by refraining from destroying equipment, which will create jobs and attract investors to Ikot Abasi.
In his welcome statement, Joshua Affia, the chairman of Ikot Abasi, commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his leadership and achievements in the state, which qualified Ikot Abasi to host a federal institution.
He also congratulated President Buhari for choosing Akwa Ibom State as the location for the university, assuring his support and collaboration to ensure the project’s success.
Obong O. D Etukafia, the political leader of Ikot Abasi, and Hon Uduak Ududo, the member representing Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo Constituency, both sent goodwill greetings.
The Commissioner of Rural Development, Enobong Mbobo, and the Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Nse Essien, were also in attendance. Udeme Udofia and Serah Esitikot, Special Assistants to the Governor on Education Monitoring.
Rose Bassey, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and the Directors of the Ministry of Education are among the others.
Edidem Utukubom, the Ikot Abasi Paramount Ruler, and members of the Ikot Abasi Community Council were also present.
The federal government approved the building of a federal university in Akwa Ibom State two months ago, but the site has been a source of contention.