By Praise Chinecherem
The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State have taken delivery of five new ultra modern offices for the Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences of the institution.
The remodeled offices, attracted by Dr. Joseph Onyejiaka of the Department of Estate Management through the CEOs of Arnold & Associates, Mr. Arnold Ekweoba and Sure Homes & Land, Mr. Osorachukwu Ani, was aimed at solving office space challenge in the department.
Speaking during the inauguration of the facilities, Vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Charles Esimone appreciated the benefactors for their magnanimity, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the university.
He commended Dr. Onyejiaka for attracting the project, stressing that time had come for the university Alumni to increase its contribution to the development of the university.
Esimone disclosed his approval of take-off of three new programmes, namely Water Resources, Urban and Rural Planning and Maritime Institute, all under the faculty, promising more support to the faculty, including building and furnishing more offices to make them conducive.
Responding, Faculty Dean, Prof. Ifeanyi Enete commended the Vice Chancellor for approving the new programmes, which he said, were awaiting accreditation, just as he eulogised the benefactors, urging them not to rest on their oars.
Head of Department of Estate Management, Dr. Celestine Ugonabo praised the VC for approving the remodeling of the structures aimed at providing enabling environment to increase staff productivity.
“On behalf of the staff of the department, I express our gratitude for magnanimously approving our request to remodel the hitherto classroom into offices to address the need for more offices for the teeming number of our staff without offices and conducive environment where they counsel students”, he said.
One of the benefactors, Mr. Ekweoba, CEO of Arnold and Associates, a leading Real Estate Development Company in Anambra state, said the gesture was informed by his desire to solve office space challenge faced by lecturers in the department, and the university at large.
He disclosed that over 20 students had severally benefitted from his scholarship scheme which had enabled them to graduate seamlessly.
Similarly, the CEO of Sure Homes & Land, Mr. Osorachukwu Ani said the desire to give back to the department that made him prompted his partnership with Arnold and Associates to provide conducive environment for the staff of the Estate Management.
He promised to assist in furnishing the offices, just as he called for their adequate and regular maintenance.
Earlier, Dr. Onyejiaka said the benefactors graduated from the Department of Estate Management in 2015, assuring continued efforts towards attracting similar projects.
“I approached Mr. Arnold in 2021, requesting him to contribute his quota as part of his organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility to his alma mater. They agreed to fund the project from start to finish,” he noted.
