Work at the proposed site of Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State is to commence soon, Federal Ministry of Education has assured.
The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu gave the assurance when he led a delegation for an inspection of the proposed site at Ikot Ukpoinua.
Adamu was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education S. T Echono, who was accompanied to the project site by the former Minister and pro-chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Udoma Udo Udoma.
Others include the Executive Secretary, National University Commission, Abubakar Rasheed and the Director University Education,j Rakiya Gambo.
The 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 the Akwa Ibom state governor, Udom Emmanuel, adding that President Buhari is impressed by the infrastructural strides his administration has taken.
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 programmes to be run in the institution.
In his address, Governor Udom Emmanuel lauded President Buhari for choosing to establish a federal university of technology in Akwa Ibom state.
Governor Emmanuel gave assurances the mission and vision of the new University would be vigorously pursued.
Udom, who spoke through the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, thanked the National University Council (NUC) for putting quality assurance mechanisms to ensure standard in the nation’s tertiary institution.
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, Joshua Affia, in his welcome address had thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for his leadership and achievements in the state that qualified Ikot Abasi to accommodate a federal university.
He hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for choosing Akwa Ibom state to site the university and pledged to support to ensure successful take-off of the project.
The political leader of Ikot Abasi, Obong Okon D. Etukafia, and the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ududo delivered goodwill messages.
Present at the event included the Commissioner of Rural Development, Enobong Mbobo, the Vice Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Nse Essien; Special Assistants to the Governor on Education Monitoring, Udeme Udofia and Sarah Esitikot.
Others were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Rose Bassey and Directors of the Ministry of Education; and Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, Edidem Udo Joe Ntuk Obom and members of Ikot Abasi community council.
The federal government two months ago approved the establishment of a federal university in Akwa Ibom State but the location was a subject of controversy.
