Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Honyenuga, along with his Management team, received the keys to the newly remodeled Agricultural Engineering Block on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from the contractor, Mssr. Win Meg Ventures Ltd. The transformation of the previously single-storey block includes the addition of an upper floor equipped with ancillary facilities.
Mr. Nicolas Awagah, the Director of Works and Physical Development (DWPD), whose outfit supervised the construction, said the upgraded edifice now boasts of two spacious classrooms, with sitting capacities of about 220 students, along with 14 offices designated for the Dean of Engineering, Head of Agricultural Engineering, and other faculty members.
“Additionally, the ground floor, housing the agricultural mechanisation workshop has been expanded to host a state-of-the-art fabrication laboratory designed to meet practical needs of many departments“ he disclosed. He added that the inclusion of ramps for differently abled persons will ensure convenient accessibility of the facility.
Upon receiving the keys, the Vice-Chancellor commended the collaborative efforts of the contractor and other stakeholders in overcoming challenges, including initial delays occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainties. He emphasised that the project was financed solely through the University’s Internally Generated Funds. Despite an initial target completion period of six months, post-pandemic material price hikes led to delays.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced that external landscaping work on the building has been delegated to the Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, with the aim of providing students with practical experience in horticulture.
He further disclosed Management’s intention to remodel similar buildings on campus to expand academic resources and augment the existing infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the VC has handed over newly procured 300 modern classroom chairs and tables to furnish the new block, demonstrating Management commitment to enhancing academic facilities.
