By Ikenna Nwokedi
History was made on Saturday, 3rd December 2022 as the foundation laying of the proposed ultra modern Auditorium for the Faculty of Social Sciences was performed by UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone.
The proposed auditorium is an endowment by Adazi-Ani born Chief Chinedu Benson Madubuko in support of the Faculty of Social Sciences towards hosting of academic events such as conferences, seminars, workshops and symposia.
In his remarks, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Charles Esimone, thanked Chief Madubuko for such a noble gesture in support to education.
The Chief Executive said that the project is symbolic as it will aid the faculty’s need for academic workshop, conferences and otherwise pointing out that the Faculty is oldest that is yet to move to the permanent site.
He disclosed that upon the commencement of his administration, one of his promises is to give the Faculty a befitting complex which he hope to achieve before his tenure elapse.
Prof Esimone said the Directorate of Works and Physical Planning will ensure that thorough work is done to achieve the needed result despite the fact that the project will be a direct intervention by the benefactor.
Speaking during the occasion, the benefactor, Chief Madubuko said education is the key to development of every sector and efforts should be made to support the growth of such very important sector.
Chief Madubuko who was represented by his elder brother Ichie Ikejiejemba said that Adazi-Ani has continued to support the course of education in the Ivory Tower notably the endowment building by GUO Okeke family and the academic prowess of Prof. Joy Eyisi.
Chief Madubuko said the project upon completion will further raise the name and visibility of the institution. He also disclosed that the proposed auditorium building is expected to be completed within two years of the foundation laying exercise.
He also disclosed that the proposed 500-seater auditorium will also contain some blocks of offices, modern convenience and other unique features.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Collins Nwogwogwu described the upcoming project as landmark and symbolic especially under his watch as the Dean of the Faculty.
Prof. Nwogwogwu narrated how the relationship between him, the faculty and the Madubuko family started. The Professor of Energy Economics thanked Chief Madubuko and Adazi-Ani community for being behind their son as he leaves his footprints in the institution by his support to education.
He also thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his magnanimity towards the Faculty by his approvals and efforts being made to give her a Faculty Complex.
On his part, the facilitator and link man, Engr. Iyke Okafor said he will continue to be at the forefront of ensuring that the project which has commenced will be completed and delivered to the institution in record time.
The Special Assistant to the State Government on Petroleum Resources also used the opportunity to thank the Adazi-Ani Community for their continuous support towards the course of education in the institution.
Responding also, the contractor handling the project, Engr. Chidi Anuligo of Arcon Engineering Services promised to complete the project in record time.
He said the auditorium upon completion will be endowed with modern facilities and designs that will stand the test of time.
Cutting of the tape and handing over of the site to the contractor formed part of the highpoints of the occasion. Present during the event were members of the University management such as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu and the University Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu, principal officers of the institution and the Transition Committee Chairman of Anaocha LGA, Mr. Gerald Ozo.
