Abia varsity builds 10 hostels in one year

The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture , Umudike
(MOUAU ) , Abia , said that it spent N 1 . 5 billion of its
internally generated revenue (IGR ) to construct 10
hostels in the institution within one year .
Prof Hillary Edeoga , the institution ’ s Vice - Chancellor ,
told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in
Umuahia , adding that this was to provide adequate
comfort and convenience for his students .
‘ Before I was appointed in 2011 , there were only two
hostels in the institution .
“ When I came on board, I constructed 10 hostels in one
year and these hostels were inaugurated by the former
Minister of Education , Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai .
“ We built these hostels from our IGR and each room has
its own toilet — a kind of self - contain for the four
occupants .
“ We started its construction in August 2012 and
completed them in August 2013 .
“ Having inaugurated the new hostels , we decided against
charging the old rate of N 10 , 000 per room per academic
year which was the rate in the old hostels nicknamed
‘ Ajegunle ’ .
“ Whereas , the new hostels nicknamed `Abuja’ attracted
N 60 , 000 which was not compulsory .
“ In fact, we made alternative accommodation
arrangements for the few students we could not
accommodate in the ‘ Abuja’ hostels .
“ Also, some of those who had paid but could not get
accommodations in the new hostels were given the option
of either to have their rents refunded or use them next
academic session , ” he said .
Edeoga said that the N 60 , 000 the university authorities
charged the students covered both accommodation ,
transportation and other facilities .
The VC said that the university provided 20 buses and taxi
cabs that were conveying the students around the
campus free of charge upon showing their cards from the
hostels ’ rent.
Edeoga said that prior to his appointment , some of the
colleges were on the verge of being merged but he
reversed the plan by ensuring that their courses were
accredited by the relevant professional bodies .
“ When I came on board, I rebranded the colleges and
upgraded the University ’ s ICT which made the public to
start patronising our programmes .
“ Also, our JAMB quota rose from its initial 1 , 250 to 5 , 000
at present within three years , ” he said.
Also, the institution ’ s head of public relations , Mrs
Onyinyechi Ralph- Nwachukwu , told NAN that its solar -
powered street lights manufactured in Denmark had
enhanced learning and research there .
She said that the manufacturers built them after a study of
the institution ’ s environmental needs.
Ralph- Nwachukwu said that MOUAU had not experienced
any internal strikes over the years except those ones
initiated by the national executive of then Academic Staff
Union of Universities. (ASUU) .
She said that, rather, it had continued to enjoy a seamless
flow of academic activities .