A Landmark Project for Nnewi Campus
The Bank of Industry (BoI) on Friday handed over a 30-room hostel block to the College of Medical Science and Technology. The project is located at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, in Anambra State.
The managing director of BoI, Olasupo Olusi, addressed attendees at the handover ceremony. He described the university as one that could compete with any other in the world. Mr Olusi was represented by the BoI executive director for Large Enterprise, Omar Shekarau.
Mr Shekarau noted that the inauguration was destined by God. It fell deliberately into the fasting period. He observed that this was the first time the two major religions commenced fasting on the same day and at the same time.
According to him, the commencement of the Ramadan fast and Ash Wednesday together signifies unity of purpose for the two religions.
“Therefore, we believed that God has a hand in it, and for us, coming here reminds us of very few key things that are never forgotten in this world. One, this is the home of Zik of Africa; this is the home of Chinua Achebe of the world. It is the home of the late Sen. Chuba Okadigbo.
“This is the home of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and now the current governor of the state, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. This is also the home of Innoson, who has proved himself by showcasing Nigeria to the world.
“As Bank of Industry, it has always been one thing: impact. We are always looking at what we can do to create impact, and we go to those communities and universities,” he said.
He noted that the inauguration of the 30-room block of the hostel was a great day for the institution. It positioned the campus to compete favourably with any university in the world in terms of infrastructural development.
The Nnewi campus specifically houses the College of Health Sciences and Technology. This college comprises the Faculties of Medicine, Health Sciences and Technology, and Basic Medical Sciences. It is located about 12 kilometers from the University Teaching Hospital. The university was renamed in 1992 to honour Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president.
University Leadership Expresses Gratitude
Earlier, the vice-chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ugochukwu Anyaehie, appreciated the bank for completing the hostel. He added that the university remained grateful for collaborating with BoI.
The university has consistently worked to improve facilities at its Nnewi campus. Its governing council previously reiterated its commitment to upgrading the College of Health Sciences. This new hostel represents a significant step in that ongoing effort. Students will now have access to modern accommodation.
Community Seeks Further Partnerships
On his part, the representative of the Akamili community, Caleb Okeke-Eyobi, thanked the bank for their partnership.
“The community is very grateful for all the university and its partners have done,” Mr Okeke-Eyobi said.
He urged other partners to assist the community. They need help solving the gully erosion ravaging the area. The erosion poses a serious threat to the local environment. Community leaders are seeking urgent intervention.