Lamentations over alleged neglect and poor state of infrastructure at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) took centre stage at the weekend as members of the Human Race Foundation (HRF), a group formed by some young men at its Enugu Campus (UNEC) in 1983, commissioned the faculty of health sciences and Technology building which they renovated in the College of Medicine of the school.
The former students also provided solar lights, chairs and other reading facilities to the faculty.
Officials of the over 64-year-old school who took turns to speak, however, poured out their hearts in lamentations on how infrastructural gaps had affected the fortunes of the institution.
Associate Dean of Student Affairs in UNEC, Dr Godwin Imo, who came close to tears while addressing members of the Foundation, stated that the hostels in the school could “be likened to the Nigeria Correctional Centre”. His assertion was based on the parlous state of the hostels and the number of students that occupy them.
He blamed the decay on the Federal Government’s inadequate funding, stating that it was from bailouts such as the ones offered by groups like HRF that the university has managed to survive.
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Charles Ezema, said that it was God who touched the group to help revamp the decayed faculty building.
He lamented further: “When we look at the current rating of UNN in terms of facilities, it’s disheartening. Many of our colleagues have relocated outside Nigeria. For those of us who are still around, we are under pressure from our families and friends to leave this country. But we are still here. So, we thank people like you who have come to help”
Head of Department, Nursing Sciences, Dr Peace Iheanacho, while expressing appreciation for the group’s generosity, said the level of decay starring the institution on the face was unimaginable
“I am surprised about what we are facing here. One is shocked that the same size classroom that used to accommodate 38 students in our time is still the same classroom that 300 to 400 students now use. Nothing has been added to improve the facility all these years. So, we thank you for coming to our aid”, she said
HRF was founded as a charitable support organisation in educational and scientific initiatives that improve the livelihoods of its members and their communities, with a strong focus on advancing socio-economic causes.
Its Zonal Marshal for Africa, Obinna Eneh, told The Guardian that the over 300 members spread across various parts of the world have continued to contribute to support their members and give back to society.
At UNEC, the group repainted the Faculty of Health Sciences and the installation of solar-powered electricity in the faculty. It was the first time the edifice was being painted since it was set up. The group also undertook a career fair where students were mentored and exposed to inspiring career choices.
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The areas of focus were technology, engineering and manufacturing, healthcare, finance and banking, creative arts and media, start-ups as well as law
Eneh explained that members of the group were captains of industry, medical doctors, politicians and other successful men from different walks of life.
He said they specifically came together to help the society, explaining that they had always seen themselves as a beacon of hope for the welfare of the people.
“Some young men started it here 40 years ago and we have been involved in charity. We have a presence in three continents: Africa, Europe and North America.
“God has blessed most of us and we are at the top of our careers. So, now we feel that we have come of age where we can give back in a more meaningful way, and this is just the first part of what we are going to do in both the Enugu and Nsukka campuses of the University of Nigeria. We are like-minded for self-development and after your development, you could be able to give back and develop the larger society,” said Eneh.
He hinted that they might adopt the Faculty of Health Sciences and address some of its needs, moving forward.
Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNEC, Prof Daniel Nwachukwu who was represented by the Head of the Department of Management, Prof Emmanuel Kalu Agbaeze, praised the group for the intervention;
“For us, what you’ve done is a homecoming. It is pleasing that this thing started here. It’s also more pleasing that this visit is historic and will not end here. Your coming is a welcome development in our life and also a welcome development in the UNN.
“Let me put it on record that you have come to save the Faculty of Health Sciences by tackling the problems of the university which are light and water.
“What you did is good. We thank you for coming back to give back to the school. One other major problem on this campus is students’ accommodation. We don’t have a sports club for the staff. Even though we have the land and design for it, there has not been money for the actualization. “For us not to be Oliver Twist, let me say it that whatever you did here will be a memorial that will outlive you and the circle will get wider”, he added
