FUAD: 'University Ready To Fly' - FG Team Declares on Proposed Ako-Nike Agric Varsity

By Ikechukwu Anike

The proposed Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies (FUAD), Ako Nike, has received a major boost following the declaration by the Federal Government’s assessment team that the institution is “ready to fly.”

The declaration was made by the leader of the Ministerial Assessment Team from the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Kareem Olawale Lateef, Director of Universities Education, during an inspection of the proposed university site at Ako Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Dr. Lateef, who expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness demonstrated by the host community and stakeholders, said the massive turnout and enthusiasm witnessed during the visit were clear indications of the people’s readiness to receive the institution.

“Seeing the large turnout of the people and the enthusiasm on their faces, it is obvious that this university is ready to fly,” he declared.

The assessment visit, which was expected to be primarily an official inspection of the proposed site, turned into a colourful cultural celebration, with masquerades, traditional dances and enthusiastic residents welcoming the federal delegation.

The visit represents another major step toward the actualisation of the university, following the passage of the establishing legislation, presidential assent and the commencement of the physical assessment of the proposed site.

The assessment team was led by Dr. Lateef and comprised Chief Jude Anyikamba, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education; Dr. Ogechukwu Okafor, Deputy Director, National Universities Commission (NUC); Mrs. Akpa Justina M., Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Education; and Mr. Paul Okpe, Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Education and Secretary of the Assessment Team.

The team’s mandate was to assess the suitability of the proposed site, examine the level of preparedness of the host community and evaluate the necessary conditions for the establishment and take-off of the university.

Dr. Lateef said the team would communicate its observations to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, after the assessment.

He also urged the host communities, Enugu East and Isi-Uzo local governments, the Enugu State Government and other stakeholders to sustain their support for the Federal Government in order to ensure the full realisation of the institution.

He expressed optimism that FUAD would ultimately become an institution of national relevance and global competitiveness.

The colourful reception attracted government officials, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, political leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders from Enugu East, Isi-Uzo and beyond.

Among those present were Hon. Pastor Engr. Beloved Dan Obi Anike, Chairman, Enugu East Local Government Area; Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, Member representing Eziagu/Udi Federal Constituency; Hon. Raymond Okechukwu Ugwu, Member representing Enugu East Rural Constituency; Hon. Chief Hyginus Osita Okoh, Member representing Enugu East Urban Constituency; and Mrs. Nnenna Okenwa, Director of Tertiary Institutions, Enugu State Ministry of Education, who represented the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze L. Mba.

Traditional rulers also attended in large numbers, including HRH Igwe Engr. Emma Ugwu of Ibagwa Nike, Chairman, Enugu East Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Igwe Engr. Okey Ogbodo of Ikem-Uno, Chairman, Isi-Uzo Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Igwe ENS Edeoga, Eze Atta of Mbanọ, the host community of the proposed university; HRH Igwe Barr. Emeka Ugwu of Ugwogo Nike; and HRH Igwe Dennis Ekette of Ogbeke Nike.

Also present was Chief Alphonsus Nnamchi, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ako Nike, among other community stakeholders.

The occasion began with traditional prayers offered by Elder Chief Mathias Anike (Ochinanwata), the oldest man in Ako Nike, who prayed for the successful establishment and commencement of the university and for divine blessings upon Hon. Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency.

Speakers at the event described the proposed university as one of the most significant development projects attracted to the constituency in recent years.

They argued that meaningful political representation should be measured not merely by the distribution of food items or cash, but by the ability of elected representatives to attract enduring institutions, infrastructure and opportunities that improve the lives of constituents.

The proposed FUAD was repeatedly cited as an example of such representation, with speakers noting that the university has the potential to provide education, employment, agricultural research, innovation and economic opportunities for thousands of young people across the region.

Igwe Okey Ogbodo urged the people to reflect on the achievements recorded during Prof. Nnamchi’s first tenure, while Igwe Emma Ugwu said the true measure of leadership was its ability to leave behind accomplishments that outlive the tenure of the office holder.

“Because of this feat, the people have been reminded of what the constituency missed in previous years. Prof. Nnamchi has gone beyond offering scholarships to actually attracting a university to our people,” Igwe Ugwu said.

In his goodwill message, Rt. Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha commended Prof. Nnamchi for his determination and legislative efforts, noting that securing presidential assent after successfully navigating the legislative process was a significant achievement.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for assenting to the legislation establishing the university, describing the development as one that would be remembered in the South-East.

Representing the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Nnenna Okenwa described Prof. Nnamchi as “a monumental blessing” who, according to her, had “made news without noise.”

Also speaking, Hon. Pastor Engr. Beloved Dan Obi Anike, Chairman of Enugu East LGA, described Prof. Nnamchi as “The Good Ancestor”, saying he was a leader who understood the past, appreciated the present and planned for the future.

Anike pledged the support of Enugu East Local Government to ensure that all requirements within its jurisdiction for the successful take-off of the institution were met.

The G-23 Support Group added colour to the occasion with an anthem celebrating Prof. Nnamchi’s contributions to Enugu East and Isi-Uzo.

Responding, Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, members of the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Education, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the two local governments, traditional rulers, the people of Ako Nike and other stakeholders for their support.

He described the site assessment as a historic transition in the journey of FUAD — “from the pages of law to reality on the ground.”

According to him, the journey had progressed from the passage of the bill, to presidential assent and now to the physical assessment of the proposed site.

He said the project was conceived to provide more than conventional university education, stressing its potential to drive agricultural development, research, innovation, employment and economic growth.

For the people of Enugu East and Isi-Uzo, the proposed university is expected to become a major catalyst for human capital development and economic transformation.

The Ako Nike visit therefore marked a significant moment in the journey of FUAD, as a legislative initiative moved another step closer to becoming a physical institution.

And as the assessment team inspected the proposed site, masquerades danced and cultural groups performed, turning what began as an official federal assessment into a celebration of a project many stakeholders believe could leave a lasting legacy for generations.