By Francis Nansak,Lafia
The Executive Secretary,Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) Architect Sonny Echono, has said, so far Nasarawa State University Keffi, has benefited over 10 Billion Naira intervention on infrastructure, and there are about 278 others which are ready to be commission across Nigeria universities, since he assumed office.
Architect Sonny added that Nasarawa State University, Keffi has benefited 80% of TETfund interventions from 2011 to 2020.
He made this known on Monday at the commissioning of two iconic projects undertaken by the Nasarawa State University Keffi, which are the senate building and the faculty of engineering in Keffi and Gudi respectively.
According to him, Nasarawa State University Keffi has made good usage of the the funds through the executions of world class impact projects that encourage learning and teaching, befitting of a world class university.
” I am very impressed with the Nasarawa state government, the governing council and the management of the university being led by Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed.
“Let me add also that the Nasarawa state university management has demonstrated high level of transparency in management of resources available to it, especially funds from TETfund ” He said.
On his part the Chief of Staff to the president, professor Ibrahim Gambari,who was the special guest of honour at the commissioning ceremony, hailed the management of the institution and TETfund for initiating and funding the projects, adding that the feat has the capacity and the spiral effect of stabilizing the university to focus on its core mandate of teaching, research and community development.
Professor Gambari maintains that “The Senate Building is seen as a symbol and epicenter for both academic and administrative activities of the university. This senate building is where critical, disciplinary and strategic policy decisions are deliberated upon.
“Equally important is the provision of the central engineering workshop which is a clear signal as to the future plans of the university and by so doing propelling the engineering programme of the university to be of the highest quality,” he said.
He also applauded Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa state government for the contributions they have made and continue to make to the growth and development of the university.
And on the part of the university management, the vice chancellor, professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed in a special tribute to the executive secretary of TETFUND, said the appointment of Architect Sonny Echono, did not come as a surprise because of the managerial pedigree he displayed in previous assignments he was saddled with.
He further said” Nasarawa state university, Keffi is strategically located in close proximity to Abuja the Federal Capital Territory, which has attracted both scholars and students from across the country and beyond.The growth in academic programmed over the years has continued to put a strain on research, teaching, learning facilities including students accommodation with attendant security issues.
“As Oliver twist, we are making a passionate appeal for you to intervene in two critical areas, which are; construction of students hostels and fencing of the campus to provide security for staff, students and learning facilities .Your intervention in these areas will significantly reduce the exposure of our students to heightened insecurity outside the campus” He added.
The Vice Chancellor, used the occasion to recalled incidences of robbery attacked on off campus students that has over 3 weeks now left both students and staff of the university panicking.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, lauded Senator Abdullahi Adamu for the vision of creating the state university, adding that with more support, NSUK will in future be one of the best tertiary institutions in the country.
The Governor, however appealed to the executive secretary TETFUND to intervene in the construction of hostels for students of the state university.
He also appreciated Dr, Faisal Shuaibu for remodelling the WHO/Uniklinikum Institute, adding that in improving research in the health sector, Nasarawa state government has also established the state Infectious Diseases Diagnostic and Research Centre in Lafia inaugurated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
We’ve spent 10Billion in NSUK projects, 315 more to be executed across Nigeria varsities-Says ES TETfund
