FG inaugurates, hands over renovated internal roads to UNEC

The Federal Government launched and handed over rehabilitated internal roads at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), Enugu, on Tuesday.

Handing over the rehabilitated roads to UNEC authorities, Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said quality infrastructure such as good roads would impact on quality education.

He was represented by Mr Anthony Ammaku, Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State.

He said: “although this is a civil works project, it is an investment in education.

“The gap in our infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction of major highways and it has reached schools.

“It is undebatable that quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment.

“Those who doubt this should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in schools where this type of intervention has taken place.

“We have successfully intervened in 64 internal road projects in various federal tertiary institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022.

“We have another 18 roads ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to 19 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 83.’’

The minister said the projects were consistent with government’s progressive ideal of improving the human condition.

“During the construction, more than 100 persons were employed, contributing to the job creation initiatives of government.

“It is hoped that the school will now ensure that this asset is used properly and not abused,’’ he stressed.

Receiving the rehabilitated roads, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Edith Nwosu, commended the minister and Federal Controller of works for the intervention.

She said it had helped to improve quality of learning and beauty of the institution.

Nwosu, who was represented by Mr Humphrey Chukwuemeka, Director of Works at UNEC, said the road rehabilitation had brought a facelift to the institution.

“One of the roads cut across major faculties of the institution and it is used by up to 80 per cent of students and staff of the institution.

“We are grateful and we thank the Federal Government, but we are asking for more infrastructure and the rehabilitation of some existing ones,’’ he said.

A student of Faculty of Law, Miss Chisom Okolo, appreciated the Federal Government for easing movement and improving the neatness of the institution.