Nigerian Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola has said that the Federal Government’s intervention in the construction of the nation’s tertiary institutions internal roads is its commitment of improving the human condition and a critical intervention to support education.
The Minister made the remarks at the official handover of the 1.2 kilometre internal road at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, contained in statement released by the Ministry in Abuja.
The Honourable Minister, represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom State, Engineer Gabriel Akinwande said that with the reconstruction of the internal road at the University of Uyo and other universities, the gap of the nation’s infrastructural needs was steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways as well as in schools.
Speaking on the impact of the newly reconstructed roads and the quality of education, the Minister said: “It is unbeatable that quality of education will be impacted on by the quality of these infrastructure and the learning environment and that those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place.”
From the feedback gathered so far, Fashola said students are now expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been restored to good condition.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudor Ndaeyo commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, saying that these internal roads were unique gifts to them and the university and also that it will remain evergreen in their memory.
“The entire University community are very happy for this commissioning and handing over of these roads today. It will no doubt enhance the socio- economic life of members of the community,” he said.
Commending President Muhammadu Buhari, the VC said they are very grateful and would continue to display their unalloyed loyalty and support to his administration.
In varied interview sessions with some students, hear their comments: Master Sito Abasi, a Law student of the institution, Miss Okiyi Grace and Lawrence Okieji of the institution all agreed unanimously that the hitherto poor condition of the roads posed serious impediments, if not death traps to both staff and students of the institution.
Speaking on behalf of other students, Sito Abasi thanked President Buhari and the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing for the timely completion of the road projects which took just three months.
“We are now happy because sometime ago, we had suffered greatly because of the poor condition of these roads but this has become history now. We say thank you President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
On his part, the Dean of Environmental Studies, Professor Ephraim Edem commended the quality of the road projects saying that they are very impressed. “All eyes can now see that the roads have added value to the campus life and we do not have fear of rain causing impediment to our movement during the rainy season,” he said.