Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has vowed to end the 21-year power outage at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus, located in the Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
During a one-day working visit to the campus, Soludo assured students and staff that his administration is committed to reconnecting the campus and its host community, Uli, to the power grid. A press statement by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, highlighted the governor’s promises and plans for the university.
The statement read, “After 21 years of being without electricity, students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus are set to start enjoying power supply. Even Uli as a community will equally benefit from the intervention when completed. We have to work out a plan to connect power back to Uli and the campus.”
Governor Soludo stressed that the campus is not neglected, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Uli campus is not forgotten. Our party’s mantra and governing ideology is to leave no one behind. Education is the future and the foundation of Anambra. That is why we are investing in human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad,” he said.
The governor also emphasised the need to provide students with access to the digital world, promising to equip public spaces on the campus with internet and WiFi connectivity.
“Today’s world is about what you can do, not just the certificate you possess. Digitalisation will give this campus an advantage,” he assured.
Additionally, Soludo revealed plans to begin the gradual construction of internal roads on the campus, aiming to improve infrastructure and enhance the learning environment.
Calling on the host community to safeguard the institution, the governor urged collective efforts to protect its facilities and foster its development.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-deh, described Soludo as “education-friendly” and assured him of their prayers and unwavering support.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kate Omenugha, expressed gratitude to the governor for his visit and continuous support, including his contributions to the accreditation of their programmes.
“We are developing our strategic vision. There are so many abandoned projects on the campus. If we propel this Uli campus, it’ll translate to the Japan of Africa,” Prof. Omenugha stated.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ernest Ezeajughi; Chief Protocol Officer, Chinedu Nwoye; and members of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Ihiala Constituencies 1 and 2, Jude Ngobili and Chukwuebuka Iloh. Also present were the Mayor of Ihiala Local Government Area, Anayo Orjiakor, and other dignitaries.
