Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed concern over the slow pace of work at the University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering located in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area. The governor made this known during an inspection tour of various projects across the state. He noted that despite the challenges posed by the site's waterlogged soil, the project has spanned two dry seasons without much progress.
The University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering project commenced around the same time as the ICT University in Oferekpe Agbaja. However, the contractors handling the aerospace varsity project have fallen below expectations, according to Governor Nwifuru. The governor emphasized the need for accelerated workflow to ensure the timely delivery of the project.
In response to the slow pace of work, Governor Nwifuru directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof Amari Omaka, to closely supervise the contractors and tighten oversight. The governor also instructed the commissioner to enforce stricter contractual conditions and ramp up pressure on the contractors to accelerate execution and deliver the project promptly.
Aside from the University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, Governor Nwifuru's inspection tour covered several other landmark projects across the state. These included the Reward Estate and the Flyover Tunnel. The governor also inspected the new Ebonyi Hotel, a historic project originally initiated as the World Trade Centre by the state's first executive governor, Dr Sam Egwu.
The Ebonyi Hotel project is one of the state's legacy projects aimed at boosting the local economy. Governor Nwifuru's visit to the project sites was part of his efforts to assess the progress of various projects initiated by his administration. The governor expressed his commitment to ensuring that all projects are completed on schedule.
Governor Nwifuru's administration has prioritized infrastructure development and education in the state. The University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering is expected to be a flagship institution that will provide specialized education in aviation and aerospace engineering. The governor's concern over the project's slow pace underscores the importance of timely completion.
The governor's directive to the Commissioner for Tertiary Education to closely monitor the project's progress and enforce contractual conditions is seen as a move to ensure the project's timely completion. With increased oversight and stricter conditions, the project is expected to gain momentum.
Key points
- Governor Nwifuru expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work at the University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering project.
- The project has spanned two dry seasons without much progress, despite initial challenges posed by the site's waterlogged soil.
- The governor directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education to closely supervise the contractors and enforce stricter contractual conditions.
