FUTO VC cries out over demolished fence

The management of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, has
lamented over the demolition of 1.5km fence of the university
estimated to cost over N60m.

It was suspected that the host communities of the university did
the unwholesome act.

Speaking to newsmen on Friday, the FUTO Vice Chancellor, Prof.
Francis Eze stated that the fence was wilfully demolished by the
host communities, who he said had been encroaching into the land
belonging to the institution.

“In the early hours of Tuesday, March 13, 2018, some disgruntled
elements from Umuanunu Obinze completely destroyed the entire
stretch of the fence measuring about 1.5 kilometres in
Umuanunu-Obinze axis.

“As if it was not enough, the host communities have also gone
into excavating sand from the Otamiri river that passed through the
university, grossly endangering the bridge that links the
administrative block with the main campus of the university,” the
VC said.

Eze however, stated that the incident had been reported to
appropriate authorities, but no arrests had been made.

He further said that the university management was determined to
ensure the completion of the fence.

“We also intend to continue to engage the representatives of the
host communities in robust, constructive and meaningful dialogue
towards the peace resolution of all contentious land issues,” he
added.

In another development, Eze disclosed that a total number of
2,325 graduands would be awarded with first degrees, while 438 post
graduate degrees and diploma would be conferred on deserving
candidates on the 30th convocation of the university, expected to
hold on Saturday (today).

He also said that the Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu
Tambuwal, Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission,
Mr. Nsima Ekere, Chief Executive Officer, Orange Drugs Ltd., Sir
Tony Ezenna and General Manager, Exploration, Esso Exploration
Production Ltd, Mr. Andrew Ejayeriese would be conferred with
doctorates (honoris causa) in different disciplines.

The management of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, has
lamented over the demolition of 1.5km fence of the university
estimated to cost over N60m.

It was suspected that the host communities of the university did
the unwholesome act.

Speaking to newsmen on Friday, the FUTO Vice Chancellor, Prof.
Francis Eze stated that the fence was wilfully demolished by the
host communities, who he said had been encroaching into the land
belonging to the institution.

“In the early hours of Tuesday, March 13, 2018, some disgruntled
elements from Umuanunu Obinze completely destroyed the entire
stretch of the fence measuring about 1.5 kilometres in
Umuanunu-Obinze axis.

“As if it was not enough, the host communities have also gone
into excavating sand from the Otamiri river that passed through the
university, grossly endangering the bridge that links the
administrative block with the main campus of the university,” the
VC said.

Eze however, stated that the incident had been reported to
appropriate authorities, but no arrests had been made.

He further said that the university management was determined to
ensure the completion of the fence.

“We also intend to continue to engage the representatives of the
host communities in robust, constructive and meaningful dialogue
towards the peace resolution of all contentious land issues,” he
added.

In another development, Eze disclosed that a total number of
2,325 graduands would be awarded with first degrees, while 438 post
graduate degrees and diploma would be conferred on deserving
candidates on the 30th convocation of the university, expected to
hold on Saturday (today).

He also said that the Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu
Tambuwal, Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission,
Mr. Nsima Ekere, Chief Executive Officer, Orange Drugs Ltd., Sir
Tony Ezenna and General Manager, Exploration, Esso Exploration
Production Ltd, Mr. Andrew Ejayeriese would be conferred with
doctorates (honoris causa) in different disciplines.