Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has itemized some of the gains the capital city has made from the siting of a university at its backyard.
Receiving members of the Presidential Visitation Panel to the University who paid courtesy visit today, April 30 in his office, the minister said that the institution has been closely linked with the FCT Administration as well as the growth and development of the city.
According to the Minister, the presence of the University and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada had enhanced the growth and development of the Satellite town to the benefit of the host community.
He said that the University has also partnered with the Administration to solve specific matters such as the seismic issues regarding some rock formations in some parts of the FCT.
Malam Muhammad Musa Bello added that the University has contributed to the manpower development of the Administration as many of its staff have taken advantage of the proximity of the University to improve on their academic and professional qualifications.
The minister said that judging from the caliber and antecedents of the members of the Visitation Panel, he is confident that they will carry out a very good job of reviewing the situation in the university and guiding its administration properly in the management of the university.
He advised the Panel to ensure that town planning and development control regulations in the university are met and that they fit into the overall FCT Masterplan.
Earlier, Chairman of the Visitation Panel, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji said that the visitation exercise is a fact finding one as part of a statutory responsibility that happens every five years and a critical part of its assignment includes an objective examination of the affairs of the University.
He said that its terms of reference includes examining issues relating to governance, accountability, evaluation of the progress made in the university after the last visitation exercise as well as looking into the working relationship between the host community and the University.
Other members of the Panel present for the courtesy visit were Professor Ahmed Ali Yakassai, Dr Ibinag Oden Ewa, Col. Danladi N. Adamu (Rtd), Engr Abubakar A, Matazu and Arc Samuel Ikani who is the Secretary.
