AKS Works Commissioner Inspects Internal Roads At Obong Varsity Ahead Of Planned Construction Work

The Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for works Mr Ephraim Inyang has carried out a terrain inspection of the internal roads in Obong University ahead of the planned construction of the access roads in the institution by the Akwa Ibom state government.

Speaking while receiving the Commissioner for Works, the Vice Chancellor of Obong University, Professor Udoudo Ekanemesang noted that the magnanimity of the Akwa Ibom state government to initiate moves towards the construction of roads in the institution will open up new vistas in the story of Public/Private partnership in the nation’s tertiary education sector.

Professor Ekanemesang pointed out that private universities in the country could achieve more in pioneering research efforts if they enjoyed some forms of assistance by government at all levels, stressing that the Obong University community was elated by the demonstration of support and encouragement communicated by the decision of the Akwa Ibom state to take up the construction of the internal roads in the university .

The Vice Chancellor said the 4.3 kilometers network of internal roads at Obong University when completed by the Akwa Ibom state government will have far-reaching impacts on the efforts made by management of the institution to provide a more conducive environment for learning, teaching and research.

“Last year, the Departments of Microbiology and Biochemistry in our institution recorded significant scientific breakthroughs. While the Department of Microbiology after rigorous research was able to produce a medicinal tea using local herbs, the Department of Biochemistry made a momentous feat by using a mixture of local herbs to produce a soap of high medicinal value. Of course, we know that there is no limit to milestones we could reach in research if we continue to forge mutual collaborations with government and also receive assistance in areas of need. Please do convey our deepest appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for initiating moves to redeem the pledge he made concerning the construction of these roads.”

In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for Works Mr Ephraim Inyang told members of the University community that he was in the institution to carry out a thorough terrain assessment of the roads in order to enable the government capture it perfectly in next year’s budget.

The works commissioner said the decision of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration to take up the construction of the roads at Obong University is in keeping with the avowed commitment of the government in supporting progressive private enterprises with capabilities to contribute to the development of a particular sector in the state.

“What you are doing here at Obong University is commendable and we are duty-bound as a government to support I in ways that we can. Education is one of the key priorities of the present administration in Akwa state and the onus is on us to support efforts meant at taking education to the next level in Akwa Ibom state.”

One of the major highlights of the visit was the presentation of the architectural drawing of the 4.3kilometre span of road network to the Commissioner for Works by the Vice Chancellor of Obong University.