UNN Moves to Restore Master Plan

Edited by Chinwe Mamah

Authorities of the University of Nigeria Nsukka have commenced moves to recover and restore the institution’s original master plan.

The move followed growing concerns over land encroachment and defacing of designated green areas within its campuses.

To actualise the initiative, a committee constituted by the management has fixed date for the commencement of recovery operations, including the demolition of shanties and other illegal structures erected on the university’s green zones.

The Chairman of the Committee and Director of Physical Planning, Dr Okey Ekwelem, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the proposed plan.

He noted that the university had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to illegal occupants to vacate the affected areas, which was subsequently extended by an additional 30 days.

According to him, the institution, through its Directorate of Community Relations, had also engaged several occupants of the green areas to sensitise them on the planned restoration of the university’s original layout.

Dr. Ekwelem explained that the demolition exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the management to restore order, preserve the institution’s master plan, and promote environmental sanity in line with global best practices.

“As a foremost academic institution, the University of Nigeria remains committed to maintaining a serene, orderly and aesthetically pleasing environment befitting a world-class university,” he stated.

He further revealed that designated spaces had been mapped out within the campus to accommodate legitimate retail activities, urging affected traders and business owners to relocate to the approved areas.

The committee chairman stressed that adequate time had been provided for compliance and appealed to all concerned to cooperate fully with the exercise in the interest of safety, order and sustainable campus development.