Fubara approves urgent upgrades for Ignatius Ajuru varsity

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured that there will be an immediate intervention at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education to improve and upgrade available infrastructure.

The governor said that in the coming days, construction work should begin on an Administrative Block, Male and Female Hostels, a Health Centre, and a Sports Complex.

Governor Fubara gave the approval shortly after undertaking an inspection tour of the facilities at the institution in the Rumuolumeni community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, on Wednesday.

The governor was conducted around the institution by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Adokiye Amiesimaka.

The governor explained that his visit was based on a request made by the Governing Council to the State Government to intervene urgently and provide some critical infrastructure at the institution.

Governor Fubara said: “This afternoon, I can say that, from what I have seen here, the improvement recorded is very regrettable. It is only those ones that have been achieved through TETFUND, and it is unfortunate that as a government, we have not done much to a school that is under our control.

“I can make bold to say this afternoon, from what I have seen, the way the school has also managed itself, we will immediately grant the requests of the Governing Council.

“The requests include the building of new hostels for both male and female students; an administrative block; a new health centre; and a sports complex. I think you can consider those requests all granted here and approved.”

Governor Fubara, who commended the Vice Chancellor for doing a good job by providing the required leadership, urged the entire management team to continue to ensure that the best standards are achieved.

He also said: “I want to make an appeal to the students too. You have the opportunity to be here today. Make good use of this very rare opportunity.

“Don’t just pass through the school. If you are passing through the school alone, you will end up not getting anything. Allow the school to pass through you so that when you leave, you will leave with something impactful from the school.”

Governor Fubara said his administration will leave no stone unturned in doing what needs to be done to improve the state of infrastructure and the quality of learning at the institution.