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Construction Of 1,600 Capacity PPP Students’ Hostel Takes Off At AKSU
By Solomon Umanah
MKPAT ENIN
In line with Gov Umo Eno-led administration’s determination to partner relevant agencies for the development of Akwa Ibom, the groundbreaking for a 1,600 capacity Public Private Partnership, PPP, students’ hostel has been performed at the Akwa Ibom State University, AKSU, in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
Performing the ground-breaking of the project, the Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said the hostel project was designed to boost the collective efforts of government and the private sector in providing a conducive environment for the students to study and emerge as well-rounded graduates ready to face the world defined by opportunities and challenges.
Eno, who spoke through the commissioner for education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited (APPNL), Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) and other stakeholders for their partnering roles in the execution of the project, pointing out that education was the bedrock of every society, hence, the justification of his administration’s deep attention to education at all levels in the state as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda.
Citing the institutionalisation of 100 million Naira Education Trust Fund for students with disabilities, payment of bursary for Akwa Ibom students in public tertiary institutions across the country, among others, the governor expressed happiness over the “well-conceived initiative” for the construction of the 1,600 capacity Public-Private Partnership (PPP) students’ hostel at AKSU, adding that the project upon completion, will significantly reduce the accommodation challenges faced by students of AKSU.
He further disclosed that the State government had earlier embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of internal roads in AKSU for ease of movement within the university campus.
In his speech, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the ground-breaking ceremony signalled the beginning of a new chapter in educational support, indicating government’s resolve to nurture the minds and well-being of the nation’s future leaders.
Represented by the permanent secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, MrOkokon Udo, the finance minister disclosed that the N98.2 billion Federal Government’s nationwide programme in partnership with states and the private sector, will ensure construction of 24 housing facilities across 24 tertiary institutions with approximately 1,600 bed spaces, each, across the six geo-political zones of the country, adding, “with the increasing number of students seeking higher education, the students’accommodation deficit across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions is estimated to be in excess of over 80 per cent of demand.Therefore, by tackling this deficit, we aim to significantly enhance students’ performances and overall well-being.”
He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment toward the overall advancement of the education sector through laudable policies and programmes, stressing, “together, under the guidance of President Tinubu’s agenda, we are not only building infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and educated Nigeria.”
While expressing satisfaction over the PPP arrangement, the minister called on leaders from the public and private sectors to join in the transformative endeavour which, he said, “will avail our future leaders the educational infrastructure and opportunities to building the future of our great nation.”
In his remarks, the vice chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Nse Essien, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his ingenuity for educational excellence across the nation as well as the Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his immense support towards the development of the University as well as the conducive ambience of the state which, according to him, has attracted the citing of the 1,600 capacity PPP students’ hostel in the institution.
He equally commended the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the executive secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono; the commissioner for education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, and the implementing partners: Africa Plus Partnership Limited and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), for their efforts in seeing to the execution of the project in the university, maintaining that the ground-breaking of such a mega project was “a dream come true to the university management, students and the entire university community.”
He added, “Over the years, lack of suitable accommodation has been quite challenging for our students as it has affected their living conditions and sometimes has posed security threat to them,” pointing out that the new facility will not only address the critical need for students’accommodation, but will foster a stronger sense of belonging and community among the students and the host community.
In their separate speeches, the managing directors of Africa Plus Partners, Mr Adeniran Ajakaiye and Family Homes Funds, Mr Abdul Mukthar, respectively, expressed happiness over the commencement of the project, which they maintained, will address the huge shortage of quality and affordable housing facility for the students.
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