Alumni contributes N30m latrines, nursing mother building to UNIZIK students, staff
The Lagos Island Chapter Alumni Association, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra state has assigned an ultra modern Student’s Amenity and Nursing Mother’s Unit to the management of the institution.
The N30million state-of-the art facility domiciled within the Faculty of Education, comprised male and female conveniences with 16 toilets, as well as nursing mother and pregnant women section for their relaxation.
Speaking during the commissioning, the initiator and the Alumni Chairperson, Iyom Princess Amaka Obi, said the challenge she encountered in accessing convenience in the institution informed the association’s decision to embark on the project.
She said she was nearly frustrated during one of her visits to the school in search of where to ease herself, as the available ones often used by principal officers of the institution were under lock.
She added that the facility, the first of its kind in the institution, was conceived soon after she assumed leadership.
She said, “As a one time student of this school, I know what students pass through. There was a time I visited here and wanted to ease myself, I entered like three places, and all of them were locked.
“When I got to Lagos, I shared my experience with my people and we decided that embarking on the project would be ideal. I took it upon myself to ensure a legacy project was done by the Alumni Chapter I represent.”
Obi assured that the facility’s maintenance would not be challenge, adding, “we’re discussing with the university on how to engage professionals who will manage it for six months before taking it further from there.”
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Charles Esimone praised the benefactor and the Alumni body for the gesture, describing the project as promise fulfilled.
He said, “When she promised me that the project will be completed in a year, I didn’t take her serious. But she has kept faith. I commend her for her patience and doggedness.
“I specifically appreciate the Lagos Island branch for setting the pace and all who contributed to the realization of the project. This facility can compete with any other across the world.
“We’re going to start the ground breaking of our Alumni building by February. It’s already been approved by Council. We’ll continue to support the alumni to ensure it rises to enviable hieght.”
Earlier, National President of the body, Engr. Emeka Nwafor commended the Lagos Island Chapter for keying into the ideals of the association as the backbone of the institution.
“The Lagos Island Chapter has set the ball rolling. I challenge other chapters to up their games and work towards enhancing the institution’s visibility,” he added.
Also speaking, immediate past National President UNIZIK Alumni and Resident Electoral Commissioner, Imo State, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu expressed joy over the project, describing the Alumni as a major source of support for the University.
He praised the VC for tapping into the Alumni existence in line with his vision for ‘Project 200’,
assuring him of the association’s continuous support towards the growth of the institution.
“I’m very excited with this achievement. As an a matter of necessity, each year, a chapter is expected to deliver a project in UNIZIK,” he added.
Present at the event were Chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UNIZIK Chapter, Comrade Dr. Stephen Ufoaroh; Immediate Past ASUU Chairperson UNIZIK Chapter, Comrade Prof. Dennis Aribodor and members of the University Governing Council.
Others were institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu; member of the Governing Council, Prof. Nkechi Nwokoye and the Director of Works Services, Engr. Sam Onwuemena, Prof. Meshach Umenweke and Prof. Ezinma Nnabuife.
