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In a bid to boost access to quality education, the Ebonyi State government has given the green light for the allocation of funds to erect infrastructure for two brand-new universities in the state, paving the way for enhanced academic excellence.
Following a state executive council meeting in Abakiliki on Thursday, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation Jude Okpor briefed the press, revealing key decisions and updates from the gathering.
According to Commissioner Jude Okpor, the two new institutions are the University of ICT and Innovation, and the University of Aviation and Aerospace Engineering, which will cater to the growing demand for specialized skills in these fields.
To fast-track the development of the two new universities, the state government has decided to implement a direct labour approach for the construction of buildings, maximizing control and minimizing costs.
According to him: “Deliberating on matters arising from the previous EXCO meeting, particularly the ongoing construction of 140 units of 3-bedroom bungalows in Izzo and Amaeze communities of Ishielu Local Government Area, Council constituted a special committee to determine the progress of work at the project site and also to commence the process of termination for non-performing contractors.
“This is in line with government’s determination to ensure the completion of the project without further delay. The Committee is to be headed by the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects, Prince Igboke, with the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and others as members.
“The council deliberated and approved the construction of buildings at both the University of Information and Communication Technology, Oferekpe, Izzi and the University of Aeronautic Engineering through direct labour.
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It was stated that the construction projects would encompass facilities such as administrative complexes, student residences, and educational buildings. Additionally, the Commissioner for Works was instructed to initiate preparations to grade and develop the relocation site for displaced villagers, rendering it suitable for habitation.
“These would include administrative blocks, students’ hostels and classroom blocks. The Commissioner for Works was also directed to mobilise to level the resettlement ground for displaced villagers to make it habitable.
“In an avowed determination to ensure accessibility of pipe-borne water across the length and breadth of the state, EXCO approved funds for the following: completion of the one million-litre Iboko Water Reservoir, Izzi LGA, and the reticulation of water to the ICT University, Oferekpe Izzi, from the Iboko Water Reservoir; completion of the 10 million-litre Ivo Water Treatment Plant, Ishiagu, Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State. EXCO further directed the immediate release of funds for their completion.”
