C’River Govt Hails Udie, Obudu Community for ICT, Hostel Projects at Nursing College
By Kingsley Agim
The Cross River State Government has emphasized the role of community participation in driving grassroots development as Obudu-born Arc. Clement Udie, Director of Design at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), facilitated the construction of an ICT Centre and an ultra-modern hostel at the College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu.
Speaking at the site handover ceremony on Friday, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, commended Udie for attracting the projects to his hometown, describing the gesture as a model of community service and corporate social responsibility.
Dr. Ayuk also commissioned several completed projects within the College, including the bursary, registry, a new conference room, and a lecture hall. He praised the Provost and management for their dedication to improving the institution’s infrastructure, adding that such efforts complement government’s investment in the health and education sectors.
The Commissioner further lauded the Obudu community for its enduring support, especially the donation of 7.2 hectares of land that enabled the College to expand and secure key accreditations. He urged other well-placed Cross Riverians to emulate Udie by leveraging their positions and influence to attract projects that would uplift their communities.
“Government alone cannot meet all development needs. Arc. Udie’s intervention shows the power of collaboration between citizens and government. We urge more Cross Riverians to borrow a leaf from this example in order to accelerate development across the state,” the Commissioner said.
Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Udiandeye, praised the Provost, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Undeshi, for her vision and resilience in repositioning the College into a centre of academic excellence. He equally commended the Obudu people (traditional rulers, elders, youths, and stakeholders) for their collective sacrifices, including donating land and resources to support the institution’s growth.
While appealing for greater state support, Udiandeye noted that other nursing colleges in Cross River had recently benefitted from government provisions, leaving Obudu yet to enjoy similar interventions. He stressed that the College’s fast-growing student population and rising profile justified additional investment.
Arc. Udie, the project facilitator, explained that the ICT Centre will accommodate 180 students and include computer studios, while the hostel will provide 54 fully furnished rooms with study spaces. He revealed that both projects are expected to be completed within two years, adding that they would significantly strengthen the College’s academic profile and accreditation status. He called for unity and collaboration to ensure timely delivery.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Mr. Coco-Bassey Esu, described the community’s free land donation as an uncommon act of foresight and sacrifice, noting that the new facilities would provide a modern and conducive environment for students to excel.
Provost of the College, Dr. Undeshi, earlier in her remarks, traced the institution’s journey from its founding as a midwifery school in 1980 to its present status as a full-fledged College with more than 1,000 students and multiple accredited programmes. She emphasized that the 7.2 hectares donated by the Obudu community were instrumental in securing accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
She thanked Arc. Udie for facilitating the ICT Centre and hostel, describing them as crucial to securing permanent accreditation for the National Diploma and interim accreditation for the Higher National Diploma. “Together, with the continued support of government, stakeholders, and the community, we will sustain a legacy of excellence, service, and innovation in nursing education,” she said.
The ceremony drew traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, staff, and students.
