The Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu has restated the Federal Government’s readiness to commence work at the proposed site of the University of Technology , Ikot Abasi. The Minister gave the assurance when he led a delegation for an inspection of the proposed site of the University, located at Ikot Ukpoinua village, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.
Alhaji Adamu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education Arch. S. T Echono, was accompanied to the project site by the former Minister and Pro Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma. Others include, Executive Secretary, National University Commission, Prof Abubakar Rasheed and the Director University Education. Mrs Rakiya Gambo.
The Education Minister said all is now set for the commencement of work, as take-off funds to facilitate the project would be released in earnest.
Adamu expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, saying that President Buhari is impressed by the giant infrastructural strides taking place in Akwa Ibom State.
The Minister commended the National University Council (NUC) for working assiduously in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government and Education stakeholders to complete work on the academic brief as regards the number of programs to be run in the institution which would also be of immense benefit to the Community .
In his address, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, lauded President Buhari for choosing Akwa Ibom State to establish a federal University of Technology.
Governor Emmanuel while applauding the gesture of Mr President, assured that the mission and vision of the new University would be vigorously pursued.
The State Chief Executive who spoke through the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, thanked the National University Council (NUC) for putting quality assurance mechanism to ensure standard in the Nation’s tertiary institution, and called on the Federal Government and the investment community to take advantage of the existing peace in the State made possible by the ONLY GOD to invest in the State.
The Governor thanked the host Community for providing the site for the University and urged the youths to grab this God given opportunity, by desisting from destroying equipment, as it will create job opportunities and bring investors to Ikot Abasi.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Abasi, Hon. Joshua Affia in his welcome address, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for his leadership qualities and achievements in the State that has qualified Ikot Abasi to accommodate the Federal University.
He further appreciated President Buhari for choosing Akwa Ibom State to site the University and promised support and cooperation to ensure the project is a success.
Goodwill messages were presented by the political leader of Ikot Abasi, Obong O. D Etukafia, the Member representing Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo Constituency, Hon Uduak Ududo. Also present at the event were, Commissioner of Rural Development, Mrs Enobong Mbobo, Vice Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University, Prof Nse Essien. Special Assistants to the Governor on Education Monitoring, Akparawa Udeme Udofia and Dr Mrs Serah Esitikot. Others include, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lady Rose Bassey and Directors of the Ministry of Education.
The Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, Edidem Utukubom and members of Ikot Abasi village council were also present.
