Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Wednesday said new University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, created from the State Polytechnic in the community, was ready for take-off in 2021/2022 academic session with current facilities at the institution.

Okowa disclosed this at Ozoro while addressing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful at the grand finale of the party’s campaign ahead Saturday’s House of Assembly bye-election for Isoko North Constituency seat.

The governor had before the rally, inspected facilities at the Polytechnic in readiness for the take-off of the university, and commended Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its contribution to the development of the polytechnic.

He told the people that he was at the school to see what was on ground and what was needed for the take-off of the university, and announced that a Project Management Committee had been inaugurated to ensure smooth take-off of the institution.

“With the extent of the facilities that they have, I am convinced that the place is ready to go fully as a University of Science and Technology.

“There is no doubt that we have a few things that we will be needing in the future for the purpose of expansion but with what they have, we are all fully set for the initial take off,” he said.

To the PDP leaders and members in Isoko North Okowa said “you have made me proud and am very glad that the crowd at the various rallies has put fear in the hearts of the opposition.

“Isoko North PDP leaders have made me proud and I’m glad because the outcome of the election will be outstanding,” he said.

He promised to construct an accident and emergency centre and provide an ambulance for General Hospital Ozoro.

The governor also assured the people on the prompt completion of the Ozoro Modern Market.

Hundreds of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) were received by the State Chairman, Chief Kingsley Esiso.

Esiso at the rally said the APC was synonymous with insecurity, hunger and poverty and urged the people to vote for the PDP in the by-election.

He assured the decampees of their rightful place in the party and urged them to work assiduously for the victory of the party.

Director-General of the PDP Campaign Council, Hon. Oviemuno Oghoore, assured the governor of total support from the people because of the upgrade of Ozoro Polytechnic to a full-fledged university.

Chairman Isoko North PDP, Prince Godwin Ogorugba said the party was united ahead of the Saturday April 10 by-election, assuring that the party would win massively but appealed to the Governor to prevail on the contractor building the Ozoro Modern Market to intensify efforts to ensure its early completion.

•PHOTO: Delta Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, (2nd right) being conducted round by the Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro now University of Science and technology Ozoro, Prof. Job Akpodiedte (left) during the Governor’s Inspection of facilities at the school in readiness for the take-off of the university while the Chairman Governing Council of the school, Dr. Festus Okubor (right) looks on . . . Tuesday. PHOTO: Yinka Oladosun

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