NDDC to commission UNIUYO 1,000-bed model hostel

Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Efiong Akwa, has assured that the 1,000-bed space hostel at the permanent site of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) will be completed and commissioned in the next two weeks.

Director Corporate Affairs of NDDC, Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, in a press statement issued to Blueprint, Tuesday, said Akwa spoke during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of UNIUYO, Professor Nyakudo Ndaeyo, Tuesday, at the Senate chambers of the university.

He stated that the NDDC’s commitment to the completion of the students’ hostel project was a result of a directive from President Muhammadu Buhari through the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for the commission to ensure the completion of projects in the Niger Delta region which touch on the lives of the people of the region.

He gave credit to President Buhari for directing the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to ensure that all on-going projects in the Niger Delta region was completed and commissioned.

Akwa said: “The 1,000 bed students’ hostel being built will be a first of its kind in the region. It will have 500 bed spaces for male undergraduates and 500 bed spaces for female undergraduates and will include recreational spaces as well.”

He noted that the university was playing a crucial role in the economy and lives of the people of Akwa Ibom State and the South-South region.

The NDDC boss observed that in an era of Covid-19 pandemic, it was necessary to assist universities to properly and comfortably accommodate students in order to ensure sufficient provision for social distancing in the hostels.

Speaking after inspecting the hostel, the NDDC boss assured that NDDC would assist universities in the region to ensure that their students undertake their studies in comfort, stating: “We are committed to doing whatever has to be done within our capacity to ensure that we add value to the educational system in the Niger Delta.”

He said that the project had reached 95 per cent completion, leaving only external works and landscaping.