Some old students of the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) have called for realistic policies that will ensure proper maintenance of facilities in the universities for optimum benefits.
While decrying infrastructural decay in the institution, occasioned by years of neglect, the ‘86 set noted that good maintenance culture can boost research, improve learning, and also enhance the nation’s economy.
The Vice President of the group, Dr Patterson Ogon, stated this at their reunion, where they donated a 10 KVA to the university library.
He stressed the need to protect and maintain facilities on campuses to make it sustainable and conducive for learning.
He said: “The Nigerian university environment is in a sorry state; there is need for provision and maintenance. It makes no economic sense to provide and not maintain.”
He noted that adequate maintenance of facilities is crucial for sustainability and value addition.
Ogon called for the intervention of other alumni associations to help in addressing the critical needs in their schools, noting that government alone cannot completely take care of the challenges for enhanced quality learning and research works in the country.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, urged the old students to always give back by attracting development to their alma mater.
Georgewill, who commended the union for donating a solar panel to the institution, said the school is building responsible citizens who would give back to the society.
He said: “The university is always happy when old students remember the institution. The Solar panel that was set, I have popularised it and is all over the world what set did. That is the essence of the alumni, to give back.”
Chairman, Planning Committee, Dr Paterson Ogum, said part of the aim of the visit to encourage the students.
He said: “In conceiving this programme, we thought it was not just sufficient to provide a solar light, we left this university 33 years ago and we needed an opportunity to talk to the students who are here.
“Times have changed between when we were here and now. Some of us are established in our different fields, sharing those experiences will be useful for the students and even when they leave,” Ogum stated.
