By Palang Paul
Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU), has taken over a newly completed Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences building provided by TETFund.
The facility was handed over to the university following the completion of the project under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special Impact Intervention programme.
The project, awarded to Humble Rock Nigeria Limited in 2020, was originally scheduled for completion within one year but suffered delays following changes in the leadership of the consulting firm responsible for providing consultancy services.
To facilitate the completion of the project, the university constituted a committee headed by Builder Raphael Rume to oversee the project and address the technical, administrative and other challenges affecting its execution.
The committee worked with relevant stakeholders to resolve issues surrounding the project, paving the way for its eventual completion and handover to the university.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Plateau State University, Professor Shadrach Gaya Best, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Associate Professor Keziah Y. Ayuba, commended TETFund for its continued support to the institution.
Professor Best said TETFund interventions had contributed significantly to the development of critical infrastructure across the university, particularly amid increasing demands for improved facilities for teaching, learning and research.
He described the completion of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences building as timely, noting that the facility would provide the physical environment required to support the university’s expanding academic programmes.
According to him, the completion came at a crucial period when the institution was preparing to admit students into some of its newly introduced programmes.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to take full ownership of the facility, stressing the need for proper maintenance, effective utilisation and preservation of the building.
He warned that the responsibility for protecting the university’s infrastructure should not rest solely on management, but also on the users of the facilities.
Also speaking, the Director of Works and Physical Planning, Builder Sarah Tsemwan-Wayo, said the facility would be closely monitored after the handover to identify any defects that might emerge.
She explained that where defects were discovered within the contractor’s area of responsibility, the contractor would be invited to carry out the necessary repairs in line with the terms of the contract and relevant regulations.
Tsemwan-Wayo further stressed the importance of regular monitoring and proper maintenance to ensure the facility remains functional and fit for purpose.
Representing Humble Rock Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, Mr Walter Ozodigbo, appreciated TETFund and the university management for giving the company the opportunity to contribute to the institution’s infrastructural development.
Ozodigbo also acknowledged the cooperation of the university and other stakeholders throughout the execution of the project, expressing the company’s readiness to pursue future opportunities to contribute to the continued development of PLASU.
The newly completed facility is expected to strengthen the university’s capacity to provide adequate academic and administrative spaces for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences as the institution continues to expand its programmes and student population.
PLASU Receives Completed Offices at Faculty of Environmental Sciences
In a related development, Plateau State University also received the keys to some completed office spaces at the ongoing Faculty of Environmental Sciences building.
The completed offices are expected to provide additional administrative spaces and support the activities of the faculty while work continues on other components of the building.
The development adds to the university’s expanding infrastructure and reflects ongoing efforts by the institution to provide adequate facilities for its growing academic and administrative needs.
PLASU management has continued to pursue infrastructural development through internally driven initiatives, alongside interventions from government agencies and development partners.
The university expressed appreciation to TETFund for its continued support and said it looks forward to the completion of other ongoing projects aimed at improving the institution’s physical and academic environment.
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