By Mohammed Baba Busu
History was recorded on Tuesday, as the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, Inaugurated developmental projects, worth over N 926million at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State.
It will be recalled that, the five projects were successfully constructed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund( TETFUND), as well as two others by the Institution’s management under the rector, using it’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
They included an Administrative complex (extension), worth over N186 million, 500-seater capacity Computer Based Test Centre (CBT) worth over N202 million, lecture classrooms and staff office complex 1 worth over N133 million.
Others are, lecture classrooms and staff offices complex 11 worth over N226 million, School of Environmental new complex worth about N179 million.
The projects embarked upon and funded through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) that was also inaugurated include, Asphalt road linking library junction to School of Agricultural Technology, Water tanker vehicle and 10 numbers tricycle for intra-campus transportation
Speaking at the event, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers said: ” This day is historic and I am elated to inaugurate these projects ,adding to the gigantic development strides of the Polytechnic, piloted by the Rector, Dr Abubakar Abdul-Dzukogi.
“As it is said, give to Caesar, what is Caesar’s. These landmark projects are really very tangible.”
The Etsu Nupe eulogized what he described as the exemplary leadership style of the Rector, being assisted and complemented by the Management and staff .
The Monarch also disclosed that, they were all living witnesses to the development strides being recorded in the Institution.
Abubakar further lauded President Muhammadu Buhari, saying, ” he is practically committed to the development of Nigeria, including the educational sector.”
He also commended the high level of prudence, transparency and accountability of the Rector.
”While commenting the Federal Government, through TETFUND, for these projects, the Rector and his Management also deserve deserve pats of the back for being prudence with the IGR ” Etsu Nupe, averred.
Alhaji Abubakar called for the proper utilization and routine maintenance of the structures, even as he pledged to continue to provide the usual guidance, fervent prayers and wise counsel.
The traditional ruler also underscored the need for sustained peace and unity of Nigeria, as according to him, development and progress will be elusive without them.
Speaking earlier, he Rector, Abdul-Dzukogi, promised to continue to pilot the affairs of the Institution, in line with its vision and mission.
Abdul-Dzukogi also vowed not to compromise the set academic standards, character and moral trainings of the students, to make them its good Ambassadors .
The Rector also noted that, the projects would add value to the Institution, as well bolster effective teaching and learning.
This, he said, was to create an enable environment for teaching and learning for the overall development of the institution and the country at large.
“When we came on board, we have seven point agenda as our guiding principle which include infrastructural development.Â
According to him, what we have gathered to do here is to showcase in brief our efforts towards adding value to the physical and infrastructural development of the polytechnic for the purpose of creating a conducive teaching and learning environment in the polytechnic.
He enjoined the people to see the projects as his administration’s modest effort at adding value to the institution.
The rector has assured of his continued commitment to give topmost priority to the welfare of staff and students.
