From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, AE-FUNAI, in Ikwo Local Government Area affected by building collapse have received relief materials from the Ebonyi State government.
The Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs Ann Aligwe made the donation at the university’s senate chamber.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Onyebuchi Nworie, the commissioner said the gesture was a demonstration of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s commitment to the People’s Charter of Needs.
She explained that following the July 2025 incident, the state government immediately set up a compliance team that sealed the building and conducted an integrity test, which later revealed the cause of the collapse.
Although the structure was privately owned, she said the governor found it necessary to support the affected students who went through traumatic experiences.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Charles Okolie appreciated government for its timely intervention despite AE-FUNAI being a federal institution.
He assured that the university would continue to cooperate with the state government on all matters affecting students welfare.
Special Assistant to the governor on Students Affairs, Joshua Nwafor said Governor Nwifuru had shown consistent love for students and the general public, referencing similar interventions during past flood incidents and other emergencies.
He noted that the relief materials would have arrived earlier, but were delayed due to the school being on break.
He revealed that the Ministry of Capital City Development led by Sunday Inyima had been directed to intensify inspection to ensure that buildings within student communities pass integrity tests before occupation.
Also speaking, Special Assistant to the governor on Students Mobilisation, Angel Odono assured students of more initiatives targeted at their welfare and encouraged them to remain law-abiding to continue attracting government’s attention.
President of the National Association of Ebonyi State Students, NAES, Collins Ogbonna described the day as special, stating that the donated materials are of significant value and urged the beneficiaries to make good use of them.
One of the affected students, Miss Ojiego Chimamanda thanked the state government for the support and appealed to the school management to assist those whose documents were trapped in the collapsed building, especially those preparing for final year clearance.
She also called on the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to intervene.
It would be recalled that Pentagon Hostel collapsed in July, fortunately without any loss of life.
