The Ebonyi State Government has approved funds for the construction of buildings for two new universities.

This decision was announced by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, after the state executive council meeting in Abakaliki on Thursday.

The new universities are named the University of Information and Communication Technology and the University of Aeronautic Engineering. The construction of buildings at these universities will be done through direct labour.

Okpor said, “The council deliberated and approved the construction of buildings at both the University of Information and Communication Technology, Oferekpe, Izzi, and the University of Aeronautic Engineering through direct labour.”

He also noted that these constructions would include administrative blocks, students’ hostels, and classroom blocks. Additionally, the Commissioner for Works was instructed to level the resettlement ground for displaced villagers to make it habitable.

Addressing matters from the previous executive council meeting, Okpor mentioned the ongoing construction of 140 units of 3-bedroom bungalows in Izzo and Amaeze communities of Ishielu Local Government Area.
“Council constituted a special committee to determine the progress of work at the project site and also to commence the process of termination for non-performing contractors,” he said.

The committee will be led by the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects, Prince Igboke, with the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and others as members.

The government is also committed to improving water accessibility across the state. “EXCO approved funds for the completion of the one million-litre Iboko Water Reservoir, Izzi LGA, and the reticulation of water to the ICT University, Oferekpe Izzi, from the Iboko Water Reservoir; completion of the 10 million-litre Ivo Water Treatment Plant, Ishiagu, Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State. EXCO further directed the immediate release of funds for their completion,” Okpor stated.