Aliyu Jidda
The Management of Federal University of Technology, Minna has taken possession of the newly completed building of Cyber Security Science Department, School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT) from the Project Consultant, Malcom Associates
The handing and taking over ceremony was performed on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at the Science Laboratory of the building.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, fsssn, emthused that the event was a celebration of foresight,perseveranc, endurance, collaboration and trust, which are the values that contributed to completion of the project.
He recalled that the project which was awarded in 2011 went through the tenures of three consecutive Vice-Chancellors and three Directors of Physical Planning and Development Unit.
Prof. Bala explained further that he had resolved to ensure that the project was completed during his tenure.
He commended the project manager and contractor for commitment to the completion of the project, noting that they did not seek variation of the project all through its 11 years duration, despite the unfavourable economic situation in recent times.
The Vice-Chancellor further acknowledged the additional facilities they included in the building at no extra cost to the University. “Though, the initial plan did not make provision for air condition, overhead tank, electricity transformer and borehole, the contractor had provided for them. The transformer could power the entire SICT,” he remarked.
He therefore, thanked the Project Manager, Mr. Ganiyu Malik and the Contractor, Mr. Neil STJohn for their efforts.The Vice Chancellor used the avenue to appreciate his predecessors for initiating and sustaining the project. He congratulated SICT for having dual Cyber Security building.
Earlier, the Project Manager, Mr Ganiyu Malik explained that the contract which was initially awarded in December 2011 with a 52-week time frame, took 11 years to complete due to paucity of funds.
Mr. Malik praised the contractor for bringing to bear his experience in cost reduction. “Cost reduction was considered without compromising standard or alteration,” he added.
The Consultant later took the University Management on a tour of the facility.
The Ag. Director, Physical Planning and Development, Dr. Mohammad Isah Bala pointed out that it was a rare privilege to be associated with such a project. He then congratulated the University for the feat achieved so far.
.The building have a science laboratory, lecture rooms, departmental library, boardroom, four professorial suits and eight Associate professors’ offices among other things.
Present at the event were VC- Designate /Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Emmanuel Emeka Udensi, fnip and Bursar, Mrs Hadiza Goje, fcna, fcti, while Mr. Eli Gbadafu and Dr. Mohammed Bitagi represented the Registrar and University Librarian respectively.
Photo credit: Elijah Yisa