AKSU conducts groundbreaking ceremony of 1,600 capacity student hostel

By Ephraim, Racheal Emem

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), conducted the groundbreaking ceremony of 1,600 capacity bed space students’ hostel Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse U. Essien, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Staff, Students and the entire University Community, expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary and student-friendly decision to approve the construction of hostels in 12 Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria consisting of: six Universities, three Polytechnics and three Colleges of Education.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University is the first and only State University in the South-South region to benefit from this intervention. Prof. Essien also thanked the Executive Governor and Visitor to the University, Pastor Umo Eno for the construction of internal roads, development of infrastructure and continuous interest in staff and students’ welfare. He further expressed gratitude to the Minister of Finance and co-ordinating Minister of the Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria., Mr. Wale Edun, OFR. He appreciated the Executive Secretary of TETfund, Arc. Sonny Echono and the Managing Director of APPNL, Mr. Adeniran Ajakaiye for their efforts and innovativeness towards the hostel project.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by the Honorable Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, thanked the Governor for his support towards the actualization of the laudable project. She appreciated the Managing Director of APPNL;  The Managing Director of Family Homes Limited;  The Executive Secretary of TETFund and the Management of the University for their relentless efforts towards the realization of the project. “His Excellency, the Governor, pays deep attention to education, especially, model primary schools” she reiterated.

In his address, the Minister of Finance and co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, OFR, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Minister of Finance, Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, thanked all who have made the project a reality, especially, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno; the Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University and the development partners for piloting the affairs of the project.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr. Abdul M. Mukhtar, said that Akwa Ibom State University is the first of 24 tertiary Institutions across the geopolitical zones of Nigeria to benefit from the impactful program. According to him, “the innovative partnership enables us to do a lot more by combining our resources to bridge the gap between traditional forms of development funding and the financing required to achieve development goals”

The Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of APPNL, Mr. Adeniran Ajakaiye thanked all the development partners and assured a focused and robust world-class structure for the students’ use. He solicited co-operation and a peaceful working relationship towards the delivery of the project in record time of 12 months.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Akwa Ibom State University, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM thanked the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State; the Pro-Chancellor; the Vice-Chancellor; Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy and the development partners for their visionary roles in actualizing the laudable project in Akwa Ibom State University. She appreciated the staff, students and the entire University Community for providing a peaceful atmosphere for the project to thrive.

Present at the event were: the Bursar, Dr. Jacob Eseneyen, who was represented by the Deputy Bursar, Mr. Timothy Ekanem;  The University Librarian, Dr. Nse Akwang; The Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies and Chairman, Committee of Deans, Prof. Jarlath Umo; Dean, Students’ Affairs, Engr. Dr. Dominic Ekpo; Head, Legal Unit, Barr. Ime Udofa; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Rose Bassey; Chairperson, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Lady Mercy Bassey; Students’ Union President, Comrd. Etimbuk Daniel; staff, students and other dignitaries.