Governor Nwifuru Urges Federal Government to Maintain Federal Facilities in Ebonyi State

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed concern over the neglect of federal
facilities in the state, particularly those in federal universities. During a meeting with members of the Governing Council of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike-Ikwo, and the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Governor Nwifuru highlighted the need for the federal government to take responsibility for
maintaining its facilities.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Government House in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru reassured his guests that the Ebonyi State government would continue to ensure the security and comfort of the university communities. However, he expressed frustration over the expectation that state governments should assist the federal government in maintaining these facilities, which falls outside the typical responsibilities of state administrations.

Governor Nwifuru emphasized that the state government has already undertaken numerous federal projects, despite the lack of recognition for these efforts. He asserted that the state has invested significantly in infrastructure, including the development of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, where the state government has ceased further financial subventions.

The governor pointed out that the state is still owed approximately N500 billion for the
infrastructure it built at the university. He offered a solution to the federal government: if the amount spent is deemed too high, the state is willing to provide land for the federal government to build similar infrastructure elsewhere, without any additional cost to the state.

Governor Nwifuru’s remarks underscore the ongoing challenges of managing federal and state
responsibilities in Nigeria, particularly in the context of infrastructure development and maintenance.