The University of Port-Harcourt Alumni have called for a deliberate and realistic policy that will ensure adequate maintenance of facilities in higher institutions across the country.
While decrying the infrastructural rot in the university community following absolute neglect, the UNIPORT Matriculating Class of U86, noted that the adoption of maintenance culture can boost research, improve learning, and enhance the nation’s economy.
The Vice President of the group, Dr. Patterson Ogon, stated this recently during the Alumni association’s inaugural reunion and donation of a 10KVA 48 Volt solar system to the university library.
He stressed the need to protect and maintain facilities in Nigeria campuses to make it sustainable and conducive for learning.
He said: “The Nigerian university environments are in a sorry state; there is need for provision and maintenance. It makes no economic sense to provide and not maintain.”
He noted that maintenance of facilities is crucial for sustainability and value addition.
Ogon called for the intervention of other Alumni associations of universities including those of Uniport to address needs in the schools, adding that institutions and government alone cannot tackle the challenges for enhanced quality learning and research in the country.
MEANWHILE, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, urged the institution’s alumni to always give back and attract developments.
He spoke at a symposium to mark the inaugural reunion of the Uniport matriculating class of 1986, held at the school premises, Port Harcourt.
The VC, who commended the alumni for donating a solar system to the institution, said the school is building responsible citizens that will always remember their duty to their community and impact good value in them.
He said: “The university is always happy when people who have passed through it remember the institution. That is the essence of the alumni, to give back.”
Speaking further, Dr. Paterson Ogum, Chairman, Planning Committee U86, said part of the aim of the visit was to encourage the students who are still in the university with their years of experiences and achievements.
He said: “We left the university 33 years ago. We thought it was not sufficient to provide solar lighting. Times have changed between when we were here and now. Some of us are well established in our different fields, sharing those experiences will be useful for the students.”
