UNIZIK is one of the beneficiaries in the South East region of the ASR Africa project, which is also being implemented in selected universities across the other five geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Universities such as the University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ibadan, and University of Benin are among those benefiting from the grant.
During the foundation laying ceremony at the Awka campus of the university, Dr. Uboh Udoh, the Managing Director/CEO of ASR Africa, highlighted the meticulous screening process that led to the selection of the benefiting institutions.
The process involved considering the universities' rankings, innovations, and physical inspection of the project sites, along with interactions with the staff and students before making the final decision.
He said, “We appointed a consultant who supervises the project and the university also appointed its consultant. Our consultant visits the project site and does the necessary checks.
“We also created a system where we can score the projects in terms of their impact and accessibility, usage and the ripple effect it will have on the host communities.”
The group's focus through ASR Africa is to make significant contributions to social development, as stated by the spokesperson. Apart from the N1 billion grant to the six universities, they also provide smaller grants starting from N250 million, benefiting approximately 30 universities through the scheme.
The Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Charles Esimone, expressed gratitude for the institution being chosen as one of the beneficiaries, acknowledging the rigorous and competitive selection process.
The Vice Chancellor described the project as iconic, detailing that the multipurpose student center would feature various amenities such as an amphitheater, offices, sports facilities, internet facilities, and more.
“It is an architectural masterpiece that will improve the skyline of UNIZIK and we are lucky that ASR Africa is executing one of the best structures in this university” Esimone said.
