From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has called for urgent intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in critical infrastructure, including the provision of a solar power plant, perimeter fencing, a fire-fighting truck and a fire service station within the university.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Salisu Usman, made the call when the member of the TETFund Board of Trustees representing the North Central Geopolitical Zone, Dr. Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi, paid him a courtesy visit in his office over the weekend.
The vice Chancellor, who was represented by Prof Sani Rufai Abdullahi, the the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Administration) of the university said the requests were aimed at addressing some of the institution’s major infrastructure and security challenges.
According to him, the construction of perimeter fencing along its boundaries, if granted would strengthen security as well as ensure the provision of a fire-fighting truck and establishment of a functional fire service station within the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor,congratulated Ocholi on his appointment to the TETFund Board of Trustees and expressed the university’s appreciation to the Fund for its sustained partnership and interventions since the institution’s establishment.
He said the university was particularly delighted to receive Ocholi as one of its alumni expressing confidence that his visit would further strengthen the relationship between PAAU and TETFund.
Usman thanked TETFund for its recent donation of 10 units of six-seater electric tricycles, describing the intervention as a development that would enhance the university’s operational activities.
Responding, Ocholi thanked the university management for the warm reception accorded him, expressing excitement at returning to the institution where, according to him, he obtained his first, second and third degrees.
He assured the management that he had taken note of the requests and would pursue support for the critical projects.
On the power challenge, Ocholi disclosed that following an earlier complaint by the Vice-Chancellor, he had approached the relevant authorities and explained the university’s situation.
He said the request had already been forwarded to the appropriate desk for consideration, expressing optimism that the proposed intervention would receive favourable consideration.
On the perimeter fencing, the TETFund Board member pledged to work towards ensuring that the project was achieved before the expiration of his tenure on the Board.
He also disclosed that efforts were already being made to establish a fire service station in the eastern part of Kogi State.
According to him, discussions had been held with the Director-General of the Federal Fire Service even before his appointment to the TETFund Board, with Anyigba identified as one of the possible locations.
“Anyigba had been considered as a possible location and, given the facilities already available, the University premises would be considered as a potential site for the proposed fire service station,” he said.
Ocholi explained that a dual approach would be adopted to expedite the process, including the submission of a formal request to TETFund, with the ultimate objective of establishing a functional fire-fighting station within the university.
On the proposed hostel for medical students, he assured the university management that the request would be presented to the appropriate TETFund management level for consideration.
He urged the university management to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its efforts to reform and reposition the education sector and promote sustainable development.
