Kelechi Kas
Governor Nyesom Wike has promised that his administration would continue its support for the development of the University of Port Harcourt.
This is as the University begged authority led by the Prochancellor, Prof Mvendaga Jibo and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ndowa Lale the governor to wade into the encroachment of its lands by the host communities.
Wike said during a visit by the Governing Council of the institution on Thursday at the Government House that UNIPORT played key role in his development.
“I had my foundation at the University of Port Harcourt. I owe it a duty to contribute to the development of my alma mater.
He promised to release the sum of N200 million Naira to the University to complete its Faculty of Law building, adding that the faculty was by him initiated when he was a Minister.
He also ordered the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Special Projects to liaise with the University management for the commencement of the Convocation Arena of the institution to be funded by the Rivers State Government.
On the issue of the University’s land, Wike directed the Surveyor-General of the State to work with the university authorities to map out the land belonging to the institution.
He also cautioned Federal Agencies against acquisition land that they cannot use for developmental purposes. He said many communities are denied access to land because some Federal Agencies acquire land they cannot put to use.
“I am not in support of federal agencies taking land without using the same. I am discouraging the non-usage of such land”,
He said the State Government will install electricity and water facilities at the Faculty of Humanities building at the institution. He said though that Faculty was approved by the immediate past administration, it was his administration that funded its construction with over N400million.
