By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife, (IYOM) on Tuesday, 22nd November 2022 inspected the ongoing solar and energy cosmic ray laboratory project at Nnamdi Azikiwe university.
The proposed laboratory is being facilitated and bankrolled by the Distinguished Senator who doubled as the Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
During the visit, Senator Ekwunife stated that it is her third visit to UNIZIK to ascertain the level of work done structural wise at the site of the laboratory which will be one of the biggest laboratories in the South East Geopolitical zone of the country.
She stated that the laboratory when completed will be useful not just for the students but for the scholars who are into research work in areas such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology and other allied disciplines.
Senator Ekwunife said: “Am here today to inspect the work ongoing at the solar and high energy cosmic laboratory site here at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. This is a high level laboratory that will serve the south east zone and in my capacity as the Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology”,
“I know that the world is revolving around technology so the best I can do for my people is to attract it to Anambra State. I am providing the resources for the completion of the project and I believe that within two years, we will provide the needed resources for the equipment because it is a high capital intensive project”, she said
Senator Ekwunife also disclosed that the laboratory when completed will serve the teaching and research needs of not just UNIZIK but other institutions in the south east zone adding that the entire nation will visit UNIZIK for research and analysis in this rare field of technology.
She disclosed that she has also facilitated and completed road construction at UNIZIK as well as solar lighting points in the institution.
“This laboratory is timely and apt as it will provide the platform for teaching and research for specialists in that field for galaxies of academic professionals in the institution”,
“It is my hope that it will be completed before the end of next year. As an alumnus of the institution, I am part of the institution and this ivory tower holds a special place in my heart,” Ekwunife stated.
In his response, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, thanked Senator Ekwunife for her kind gesture in ensuring that such a project is brought to the institution.
Prof. Esimone who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Frederick Odibo eulogized the lawmaker for her interest and activism in the affairs of the University and the state.
Prof. Odibo disclosed that the institution is progressing well as it is among the first three most sought after universities in the land by the students and recently her medical courses were rated amongst the first 10 in the world.
Also speaking, the Chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UNIZIK Chapter, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh appreciated Senator Ekwunife for her kind gesture in thinking home which is one of the reasons for the struggle by the union that government must fund education and improve the working environment in our institutions of learning.
Prof. Ufoaroh said the laboratory will improve teaching, learning and research while calling on the Senator to ensure its completion.
On her part, the Vice-President, Students Union Government (SUG) UNIZIK, Comrade Ifunanya Jessica Okoye lauded Senator Ekwunife for the initiative, saying that the students appreciate her efforts towards the growth of education in the institution as this is not her first or second but her third project in the institution.
She prayed God to grant Senator Ekwunife her heart desires as she seek to go back the red chambers for a second term.
Present at the occasion were the Director of Works of the institution, Engr. Samuel Onwuemene; University Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs Chika Eneh as well as staff and students of the institution.
