Aguata (Anambra) – Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has described the proposed Peter University in Aguata Local Government Area of the state as a good investment which would boost the development of the state.
Obiano spoke when he paid a visit to the construction site of the university on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Peter University is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Awka.
He pledged that the state government would construct a link road in the neighbouring communities of Achina-Onneh- Ajalli-Ekwuluobia to access the university.
The governor said that the contract for the construction of the remaining 3.2 kilometre road would soon be awarded.
Obiano, however, urged all the neighbouring communities of the university to donate more land to enhance its expansion.
“The proposed Peter University is a big development and should be appreciated and supported by all.
“ I appeal to all the communities mentioned to donate generously toward the project,’’ he said.
According to him, the government will ensure that the proposed university enjoys uninterrupted power supply by connecting it to the national grid.
He commended Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Catholic Diocese and his team for embarking on the project.
The governor said that the university, when completed, would trigger tremendous development in the state.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of work done at the site, noting that government would continue to create an enabling environment for all stakeholders.
Earlier, Bishop Ezeokafor had thanked the governor and others who had volunteered to support the church on the project.
“We are grateful for the support in our bid to build a citadel of learning where the character of the children would be moulded for the good of society,’’ he said.
Also speaking, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Benson Okoye, said that some of the university’s structural projects had been completed while others were on-going.
He commended the governor for agreeing to construct the road leading to the university, describing it as a death trap.
Okoye, who is also the Chairman of the Building Committee and Coordinator of the university project, said the institution would accept its first set of students in 2017/2018 session.
He said that the institution would start with Faculties of Physical Sciences as well as Arts and Social Sciences, and later include Engineering, Education, Environmental Sciences and Medicine.
(Edited by Abiodun Esan and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)