UMAHI FLAGS-OFF CONSTRUCTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKSHOP AT AE-FUNAI
The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Chief, Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi, has flagged-off the construction of a Civil Engineering workshop at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State), as part of his contribution to the promotion of Engineering education in the State.
The workshop which was donated by the governor to stimulate the development of engineering education in Ebonyi State and Nigeria, is geared towards empowering students with the relevant hands-on skills to contribute meaningfully in a knowledge-based economy.
Ebonyi Governor’s Rep. and Commissioner of Education, Hon. Sabinus Nwankwegu cutting the project tape to flag-off the construction of the workshop while SSA on Higher Education, Professor Adaeze Nwuzor, VC, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba and others watch with keen interest
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba praised Umahi for his exemplary leadership, noting that he was the person that initially muted the idea to establish Civil Engineering in the University and thanked him for donating a workshop.
The Vice-Chancellor maintained that the donation by the Governor was significant and could be viewed as a service to God and humanity. He further stated that the gesture has been noted and documented in the Faculty of Engineering’s handbook as a show of appreciation and honour to him.
He also stressed that the University’s Engineering Faculty would turn-out to the best in the country because of the massive investment in latest and supersonic equipment coupled with its 21st century academic philosophy meant to ensure Sustainable Engineering Education.
Rep. of Ebonyi Sate Governor, Hon. Sabinus Nwankwegu during the foundation laying ceremony while the VC, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba and others watch
“We have engineering facilities and equipment which older Universities do not have. We are building a second-to-none Faculty of Engineering in the Nigerian university system. We will produce engineers that are practical-oriented with the relevant hands-on skills”, he stated.
He further stated that one of the defining features of the Civil Engineering workshop donated by the governor was that students were gaining valuable practical experiences as they participate in its construction.
While flagging-off the project, Umahi noted that education was very strategic and must be accorded the right support, adding it was because of the premium his government placed on education that made it to award and execute the road leading to the University, in spite of the fact that it is a federal government-owned institution.
Dignitaries at the flag-off ceremony in a group photograph with some students of the Engineering Faculty participating in the construction of the work shop
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner of Education, Hon. Sabinus Nwankwegu, also promised more support to the University and extolled the Vice-Chancellor for the massive infrastructural and academic development the University is witnessing under his watch.
“You have not seen anything yet. He will continue to support the University. If you have any challenging issue, don’t forget to contact him”, he enthused.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Higher Education, Prof. Adaeze Nwuzor, Dr. Tina Nwaeze and members of the University Management among others.