UI Commissions Projects

The present administration at the University of Ibadan (UI) affirm to have zero tolerance for abandoned projects, UI commissions projects.

The Vice-Chancellor,  Professor Kayode O.  Adebowale, mni, FAS,  stated this today at the opening of some projects on the campus. 

He said his administration believes that all projects must be completed for the benefit of staff and students of the University rather than be allowed to go to waste.

The projects that were opened for use today included  the Veterinary Virology and Parasitology laboratory, which is on three levels. It was completed through a 2021 Needs Assessment intervention. 

On the ground floor are:

A Seminar Room, three  offices, store, stair halls and conveniences. On the first floor are the Serology Laboratory, Prep Room, stair halls, and conveniences, while the  Cello Culture room, PCR Room, Mix Room, Extraction Room, Research Laboratory,  Prep Room,     wash room, stair halls, and conveniences are on the second floor. The structure also has a water stanchion and tanks. 

 The signage of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine funded by Chief (Mrs) Victoria  Adunola Samson of Bovas and Company Limited was also unveiled for use.

 A power generator, a Marapco MP 45 KVA Perkins Engine, which  has the capacity, features, and suitability for the faculty and donated to the  Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, was also commissioned for use. 

The donor company,  First Bank of Nigeria, through the intervention of its Chief Executive Officer,  Dr Sola Adeduntan, believed that the generating set  will significantly contribute to mitigating power related challenges in the Faculty. 

The company, therefore,   provided all the materials for installation, electrical and civil works, testing and commissioning of the generator along with a 1,000 litres capacity fuel tank and Diesel Fuel/Water Separator. 

The donor also  provided training for the maintenance staff on the proper operation, maintenance, and safety protocols of the generator to ensure the generator's longevity and optimal utilization while adhering to all safety standards. 

The Vice-Chancellor was very appreciative of the donors. The  extension to the Department of Nursing's Building  was also opened.

The project began about three years ago, when some old students of the Department offered to build an auditorium in order to decongest the existing facilities.  However, besides the production of drawings and turning of sod which was carried out in 2020, there was no progress on the job due to lack of funds. 

 As a result, the University Management decided to accommodate the project under the 2021 Needs Assessment Intervention. 

The project, which was opened for use today has the following facilities: 250 sitting capacity Lecture Auditorium, 3  Lecturers' offices, 3  laboratories, outdoor communal study Area, stair hall, general lobby and conveniences.   The mechanical installations comprised pipes, sanitary wares, air conditioners, borehole, water stanchion, and a reticulation system.

A newly constructed chemical store and   laboratory  at the new Water Treatment Plant site was also opened for use. Over the years, the University of Ibadan has experienced challenges in its  water supply.   The existing water treatment plant was commissioned in 1991.  Though it then provided some  relief,  the ever increasing staff and students' population necessitated pro-active measures to meet the campus water demand.  Part of the efforts made was  the sinking of about 120  municipal boreholes at various locations on campus.  While boreholes in some areas are being managed well, reports of misuse are being received in some other locations. 

The construction of the new chemical store became necessary because the existing one can no longer cope with the university's needs. It was a 2021 Capital project.

The new chemical store, laboratory and revamping of the existing Gate House would cater for the storage of water treatment chemicals, enhanced quality control and security for the 4.8 million litres per day lamellar water treatment plant under construction.  The landscaping aspect of the project is to ensure vehicular access and beautification of the site.

The breakdown of facilities included Chemical Store,Technologist’s office,Laboratory, Alum Store, Line Store for Laboratory equipment, and reagents, Chlorine Store. Other facilities are the Gate House and access road.

The Vice-Chancellor used the opportunity to appeal to members of the University Community to ensure good operation of the boreholes in their areas.  He stated that the boreholes are not meant for connection to houses. Rather, they are for people to fetch water in public places. 

According to the Vice-Chancellor, several cases of burnt pumps and switches have been recorded due to faulty operations and connection to houses adding that the  University does not have the funds to replace pumps and switches that got burnt as a result of such tampering. 

The last project that was handed over for use was the Main Security Office, which was renovated as a 2019/2022 Project Maintenance Merged TETFund Intervention project. 

The offices and facilities in the Main Security Office were renovated to meet international standards.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Chairman of Council Committee on Security, Professor  Ademola Aremu, and Mr C. T. A. Semowo, a retired staff of the University and a former member of the Governing Council for their efforts in ensuring the successful completion of the project.

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied on the commissioning exercise by other Principal Officers,  and other stakeholders in the University.

MySchoolNews reporting.