Erosion Crisis Imperils Academic Activities at Anambra State College of Nursing Sciences
Erosion Crisis Imperils Academic Activities at Anambra State College of Nursing Sciences
Mary Nwaeze 
Being distressed by the turn of events, students and the management of the Anambra State College of Nursing Sciences, Nkpor, located in Idemili North Local Government Area, are grappling with the menacing threat of erosion, casting a shadow over the institution's existence and jeopardizing its academic pursuits.
During the recently conducted 2022/2023 matriculation/capping ceremony, our correspondent witnessed the dire situation as erosion has taken over the roads leading to the school. The thoroughfare from Our Ladies Bus Stop, along the Nkpor-Enugu Old Road to the Umusiome Nkpor By-pass has succumbed to erosion, while refuse dumps further exacerbate the issue, extending up to the school compound.
President of the Students’ Union Government, Chidi Chuba, expressed the students' anguish, stating, "The erosion is terrible as you can see. It has affected our academics because we no longer have enough classrooms to receive our lectures. The gully erosion has washed away over three classroom blocks and is encroaching on more classrooms."
SEE: Anambra State Governor Declares Free Education for All in Government Schools
Chuba continued, "To worsen the situation, all the residents around the community have turned the place into a refuse dump due to years of neglect. And the ugly stench emanating from the gully is sickening. An epidemic may break out from there if nothing is done about it."
READ: NYSC: Anambra State Coordinator Highlights the Wealth Potential in Cultural Exportation
Former Head of Service, Chief Harry Udu, who attended the ceremony, appealed to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene and rehabilitate the roads leading to the college. Udu emphasized the urgency of reconstructing the college road to alleviate the gridlock experienced at Afor Nkpor road junction.
The college Provost, Dr. Juliana Nwazuruoke, expressed her hope for government intervention, highlighting that the erosion had displaced the institution from three classroom blocks. She revealed that the college management had written numerous letters to previous administrations, but tangible responses were elusive.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who inspected the erosion damage, promptly contacted the Commissioner for Works. He assured the community that efforts were underway to assess the erosion site and explore possible interventions. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the state government, Obidike pledged to do their best to improve the situation.
The matriculation ceremony, marred by the erosion crisis, featured the capping of new student nurses and midwives, along with the administration of the oath. Notwithstanding the challenges, students like Adaku Delight Nnoruka, Uzoma Diamond Okeke, and Sonia Chiamaka Nkechika expressed gratitude to God, parents, and tutors for overcoming the hurdles presented by the examinations. Out of about 4,000 students attempting the rigorous PTS examinations, they emerged successfully after six months of dedicated efforts.
