TETFund Commissions Faculty Complex, Sports Centre at Nigeria Maritime University

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned two major infrastructure projects at the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State, in a move aimed at strengthening academic excellence, research, and sports development in the institution.

The projects, inaugurated on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono, represented by the South-South Zonal Coordinator of TETFund, Mr. Kalu Okoro, include a modern Faculty of Basic Sciences Office and Conference Complex and a state-of-the-art Sports Centre for the Directorate of Sports and Regimentation.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Okoro urged the university community to cultivate a strong maintenance culture to preserve the newly completed facilities, stressing that inadequate maintenance remains one of Nigeria's greatest challenges in public infrastructure management.

"One of the major problems we have in Nigeria is not the execution of projects but their maintenance. We can build world-class infrastructure, but if we fail to maintain them, the investment will not serve future generations," he said.

He called on members of staff and students to take collective responsibility for safeguarding the facilities, noting that public infrastructure belongs to everyone and should be protected through proper use and routine maintenance.

"I implore all staff and students to work together in maintaining these critical facilities. The success of public service is not measured only by the number of projects initiated and completed but also by how well such projects are preserved and sustained," Okoro added.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University, Prof. Flora Tobolayefa, described the projects as strategic investments that would significantly enhance teaching, learning, research, administration and students' physical development.

She expressed appreciation to TETFund for its unwavering support towards the university's infrastructural development, noting that the intervention reflects the Federal Government's commitment to improving higher education in Nigeria.

The newly completed Faculty of Basic Sciences Office and Conference Complex, executed by Danoxk Engineering Limited, occupies a total floor area of 281 square metres. The contract was awarded on August 22, 2024, with a completion period of 12 months.

The ground floor of the building consists of a reception area, offices for three Heads of Department and a secretary, five staff offices, two general conveniences and a staff bistro. The upper floor accommodates the Dean's Office, a conference room, offices for two Heads of Department, a records room and two additional offices, with two staircases provided to enhance accessibility and safety.

University management said the facility would provide a conducive environment for academic administration, collaborative research and effective faculty decision-making.

Also commissioned was the 560-square-metre Sports Centre, constructed by Ahad Bond & Allied following a contract awarded on August 30, 2024, with an 11-month completion period.

The facility features a spacious sports hall, gymnasium, store and convenience facilities on the ground floor, while the upper floor houses a lounge and offices for sports administration.

According to the university, the Sports Centre is designed to promote physical fitness, encourage talent discovery, foster healthy living and support sporting excellence among students and staff.

The university management commended the contractors for delivering the projects within schedule and appealed to staff, students and other users to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring their proper use and maintenance.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by important guests, members of the university management, principal officers, deans, heads of departments, students, contractors and other stakeholders.